Sacramento Regional Transfer District Plans Phase II South Corridor LRT Expansion

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). With the Amtrak/Folsom and South Corridor LRT (Light Rail Transit) Extension Projects well underway, the Sacramento Regional Transfer District (RT) has begun to take a more detailed look at Phase II. Analysis of the congestion along State Route 99 (SR99) through Southern Sacramento City and the City of Elk Grove has shown that the daily volume of traffic is expected to increase dramatically in the next twenty years.

To address this future congestion problem, RT is planning to expand its LRT service 4.9 miles into Elk Grove. The $200 million project would involve the laying of track and the construction of up to five (5) stations (Franklin Blvd., Center Parkway, Cosumnes River College/College Square, Power Inn Road, & Calvine/Auberry).

RT hopes that by constructing this extension the public transportation service from South Sacramento City to Elk Grove will be improved. In addition, this will hopefully enhance the regional connectivity of rapid transit services, improve the regional air quality, alleviate the SR99 congestion, and improve the mobility options to employment, education, medical, retail and entertainment centers for the area.

RT expects to complete the Phase II draft SEIS/SEIR in 4Q02 and the final SEIS/SEIR in 1Q03. Construction is expected to begin in late 2003 with the line extension running in 2006.

RT currently operates 20.6 miles of light rail and seventy-seven (77) bus routes covering a 418 square-mile service area. By the end of 2004, RT will operate and additional 19 miles of light rail with service extended into Folsom, the Sacramento Amtrak Station and Meadowview Road in south Sacramento. The new rail line is expected to increase daily light rail usage by 15,000 passengers by 2015.