City Council Study Session Agenda and Packet 2013 09 10

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CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION GENDA ITEM IV A SUBJECT: NORTHWEST AREA MOBILITY STUDY (NAMS) AND US 36 BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) UPDATE DATE:SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 PRESENTED BY: ROBERT MUCKLE, MAYOR HEATHER BALSER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER CHRIS QUINN, RTD PLANNING PROJECT MANAGER SUMMARY: RTD has two FasTracks commitments in the northwest region; US 36 BRT on Highway 36 and the completion of the Northwest Rail line from Denver to Longmont. US 36 BRT is currently underway, with construction to be complete to Boulder by the end of 2015. The first segment of the Northwest Rail Line from Union Station to south Westminster (71st Ave. and Lowell Blvd.) is currently funded as part of the Eagle P3 project. This first segment is 6.2 miles and scheduled for completion in 2016. Unfortunately, the remainder of the Northwest line is not expected to be complete until 2042 based on current funding availability. In response, RTD and the community stakeholders have commenced the Northwest Area Mobility Study or NAMS, to address the challenges/opportunities in the northwest region. This includes considering rail segmentation/phasing as well as interim and complimentary mobility options comprising arterial BRT. The NAMS study will also evaluate potential for extending the North Metro Line to Longmont; finalize the remaining BRT elements for US 36; and analyze potential alternatives to facilitate the reverse commute between downtown Denver and US 36. The NAMS study began in May of this year, and Mayor Muckle and staff believe it is an appropriate time to provide City Council with an update from RTD. Chris Quinn, RTD Planning Project Manager, will review the attached power point presentation and respond to questions. Chuck Sisk, RTD Director, will also be in attendance. RECOMMENDATION: Discussion ATTACHMENT(S): 1. Power Point Presentation CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION 8