Green Line (CapMetro)

Last updated

Green Line
Overview
StatusIn planning
Locale Austin, Texas
Termini
  • Colony Park (future extension to Elgin)
  • Downtown
Service
Type Commuter rail
System CapMetro Rail
Operator(s) Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
History
Planned opening2033
Technical
Track gauge 4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Route diagram

BSicon exKBHFa.svg
Elgin
BSicon exBHF.svg
Manor
BSicon exBHF.svg
Wildhorse
BSicon exSKRZ-G4u.svg
Texas 130.svg SH 130
BSicon exENDE.svg
Phase 2
Phase 1
BSicon exBHF.svg
Colony Park
BSicon exBHF.svg
Loyola/Johnny Morris
BSicon exCONTgq.svg
BSicon exABZgr+r.svg
MoKan Corridor
(planned)
BSicon exBHF.svg
US 183
BSicon exSKRZ-G4u.svg
US 183.svg US 183
BSicon exBHF.svg
Springdale
BSicon exBHF.svg
Pleasant Valley
BSicon CONTgq.svg
BSicon xABZgxr+r.svg
Red Line
to Leander
BSicon BHF.svg
Plaza Saltillo
BSicon SKRZ-G4u.svg
I-35.svg I-35
BSicon KBHFe.svg
Downtown

Wheelchair symbol.svg All stations are accessible

The Green Line is a proposed commuter rail line for connecting the Northeast Austin area of Colony Park with the downtown Austin, Texas area in the United States. It is still in the planning stages as a part of CapMetro's Project Connect. [1]

In September 2008, CapMetro evaluated the need for rail service to alleviate pressure from congestion downtown to Colony Park, with a potential extension to Elgin. To fix this problem, CapMetro initiated planning for a new rail line. The Green Line would operate the same as the Red Line, as it would run on an existing freight rail - the Austin Western Railroad - with adjustments made to them to allow for passenger rail service. In December 2008, a presentation, and then a follow-up, were given to the CAMPO Transit Work Group about the Green Line. In May 2018, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted 3–2 to move forward with a viability study of the Green Line. [2] The project's National Environmental Policy Act review is expected to begin in 2028, with revenue service possibly starting in 2033. [3]

Trains would depart the Red Line and head east in between the MLK Jr. and Plaza Saltillo stations, where the first stop would be Pleasant Valley; more new stations will be at Springdale, East US 183, Loyola/Johnny Morris, Colony Park. A potential future extension beyond Colony Park would feature new stations at Wildhorse, Manor, and Elgin. [4] The Green Line will be built from Downtown to Colony Park first, with the extension to Elgin considered at a later time.

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References

  1. "Metro Project Connect Initial Investment System Plan" (PDF). July 30, 2020. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  2. Pritchard, Caleb (May 29, 2018). "Commissioners Court goes for Green Line". Austin Monitor. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  3. Clark-Madison, Mike (September 25, 2020). "From Light Rail to a Downtown Tunnel: The Parts of Project Connect". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  4. "Recommended System Plan" (PDF).