By Evan Anderson, News 9
OKLAHOMA CITY -- A new rail-based
streetcar system is expected to go through downtown and Bricktown. And the plan
took a big step forward Wednesday as the city council approved a list of
project requirements.
The project has
been nearly nine years the making, now it's down to the final steps before
construction actually begins. So, in about four years, a ride through downtown and Bricktown will look a lot different.
"So now, we're
getting into the nitty gritty," said project manager, Jeff Bezdek. "What does
this look like? Where exactly does it go? What are the integral pieces of the
puzzle that we have to put together?"
The route, which
will extend from Deep Deuce across the Walnut Street Bridge through Bricktown,
will link up with the Historic Santa Fe Station. From there, streetcars would
continue through downtown and Midtown to St. Anthony's hospital.
"Trains will come
by every 10 to 12 minutes during the day, and late into the evening," said
Bezdek.
"I think it would
be great, anything to improve the transportation around here," said nearby
resident, John Piler.
"We're parking way
over here in order to see the Thunder game," said Piler's wife Betty. "So it
would be good to hop on the streetcar and get closer."
It's a project
designed to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma City. In 2009, voters
approved a nearly 8-year long one-cent sales tax, part of the MAPS 3 project,
to construct public works projects. Included in that initiative, $130-million
for permanent transit improvements.
"And of course,
whatever we build in terms of light rail system, we want it to be of the same
quality and standards as all of the MAPS projects," said Bezdek.
Bezdek says he
wants to make sure the project not only stays within budget, but also meets people's
expectations.
The Maps 3 Transit
is expected to be a fairly expansive system. Future commuter rails are also in
the works to Midwest City, Norman, Del City, Moore, and Edmond. The initial
goal though is to complete the 5 to 6 mile streetcar project first.
Project managers
say planning and design will continue throughout 2013. Construction of the new
OKC streetcar system should begin, in early 2014.
In 2009, voters approved a nearly 8-year long one-cent sales tax, part of the MAPS 3 project, to construct public works projects. Included in that initiative, $130-million for permanent transit improvements.
