PROJECT UPDATE

After reviewing comments from the public, local governments, and state and federal agencies, the North Metro EIS Project Team is now moving into the next level of screening (Level 3) with the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) and Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) commuter rail transit technology alternatives. The following alignment options will be evaluated for both DMU and EMU transit technologies:

• Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway from Denver Union Station (DUS) to Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Boulder Branch Alignment
• UPRR from DUS to UPRR Boulder Branch Alignment

Download a larger PDF version of the image shown at
the right.

To avoid the Sand Creek Junction near I-270, the
Project Team will investigate realignment options in the southern section (connecting the BNSF or UPRR to the UPRR Boulder Branch).

The North Metro EIS Project Team will be evaluating these remaining alternatives with the level 3 screening criteria over the next month. The screening criteria and evaluation results of this analysis will be presented at the next round of public meetings, currently being planned for March 2007.

Upcoming Public Involvement Opportunities

The North Metro EIS Project Team is initiating Issues Forum Meetings to start addressing public concerns that were heard and documented regarding noise, air quality, traffic and safety issues, and property values.

Additionally, Station Planning Committees are also being formed to focus on station location and design issues.

If you are interested in participating in an Issues Forum or a Station Planning Committee, please let us know.

More information about meeting dates and locations will soon be available on the project website: www.rtdnorthmetro.com.

Thank you for your interest and involvement in the North Metro Corridor EIS. We hope you will continue to stay involved in helping to develop and evaluate the transit alternatives for the North Metro Corridor. We welcome your comments and questions throughout the EIS process.

We encourage you to share this project information with others in your neighborhood or community.

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About the North Metro Corridor EIS

In September 2006, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) initiated the North Metro Corridor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The RTD FasTracks North Metro Corridor is a proposed 18-mile fixed-guideway transit corridor between Denver Union Station and the 162nd Avenue area, passing through Denver, Commerce City, Thornton, Northglenn, and unincorporated Adams County.

During September to December 2006, the North Metro EIS Project Team met with the public, local governments, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders interested in the project. We presented information and solicited input on the following aspects of the project:

• Scoping process and results;
• Range of alternatives;
• Levels 1 and 2 evaluation process and screening criteria; and
• Evaluation results for levels 1 and 2.