ADOT narrows passenger alternatives between Phoenix, Tuscon
Jul 9, 2013, 2:47 PM | Updated: 2:48 pm
PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has narrowed it down to three possible choices for creating passenger rail lines between Phoenix and Tuscon.
The three possible alternatives are known as Green, Orange and Yellow. ADOT has already begun moving forward with the Green Alternative which would run along Interstate 10.
The Orange and Yellow alternatives would serve the East Valley but would run through different sections of the Valley.
“It’s important to plan for multimodal travel options as we look ahead to the future of Arizona’s transportation infrastructure and as our state’s population continues to grow,” said ADOT director John Halikowski in a press release. “A passenger rail line will not only connect communities, but also economies. It’s not only a plan, it’s an investment in Arizona’s future.”
The decision to make these routes have not only come from technical evaluations but public input as well. Almost 7,000 people across Arizona have taken surveys to better identify which routs would best serve each community.
In the fall, ADOT will provide Maricopa, Pinal and Pima county citizens with more information on the progress of their studies. ADOT is hoping to find one public-preferred route.
ADOT will host a 45-day public comment period in early 2014 and three public hearings that will allow the public to give input.
Currently there is not a construction plan, it will be up to the public and policy makers to decide whether the project will move forward.
