What About Rail: May 2008

Questions from the public open house will be answered, a few at a time, on this blog. The questions below were answered by INCOG staff.

Q: What is the cost comparison to road widening/maintenance?
A: Rail-based transit projects range in cost. These costs are largely dependent on the type of technology chosen for the project along with any special circumstances, such as varying topography and urban conditions. Our research has shown project costs ranging from $9 million dollars per mile in Austin to $ 21 million dollars per mile in Denver. In addition to these issues, right of way, overhead electrification, and the often volatile pricing of construction materials affect capital costs. By comparison, the I-44 expansion currently under way in Tulsa between the Arkansas River and Yale Avenue has an estimated cost of approximately $100 million per mile. Arterial expansion costs are significantly lower than highway projects. The City of Tulsa estimates, for CIP purposes, arterial expansion to range from $11 million per mile for 5 lane (from 2 lanes) expansion, to $13 million per mile for 6 lane expansion (from 4 lanes). This cost includes design, right of way acquisition, construction, and utility relocation.

Q: What is the condition of the rails into Tulsa?
A: The existing condition of the rail lines in Tulsa vary. The Union Pacific line from Broken Arrow to downtown Tulsa is in good condition. It is welded rail, which is necessary for passenger rail service. There are several at-grade crossings on that corridor that would need upgrades for passenger service as well. Conversely, the rail line extending along the west bank of the Arkansas River is not in good condition for passenger service. At this time it is only rated for 15 mile per hour freight service. The SK&O line is in average condition, and would also need upgrades before passenger service could be used on that alignment.

Q: Tulsa will be updating our comprehensive plan. How can we maximize transit synergies as we move forward with the comprehensive plan?
A: INCOG is working closely with the City of Tulsa (as well as Fregonese and Associates and Kimley-Horn, who have been contracted to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan) to specifically look at transportation-related elements of that plan. Over the course of that planning process, several scenarios should emerge, some of which are anticipated to include transit options, such as rail. Those scenarios will model how transit might change the land uses and subsequent built environment around it. It will then be up to the citizens of Tulsa to determine how they want their city to grow, look, and feel, and to what extent transit is an element of the overall plan.