Progress continues on a transportation study that could one day link the
Meridian Mall
with the Capitol building with light rail, a modern streetcar or upgraded
buses. The latest development plans identify potential stops along the
region’s most-traveled corridor.
“This is the spine of our community and an important place to focus our
attention,” says Debbie Alexander, the assistant executive director of
Capital Area Transit Authority (CATA).
The
Michigan/Grand River Avenue Transportation Study
involves stakeholders throughout the greater Capitol region and is being led
by CATA. A steering committee and a technical committee are in place to
guide CATA through the federally mandated steps, such as feasibility,
environmental, economic and fatal flaw studies to identify which modes
of transportation would be best.
Alexander says the multi-year project would mean higher speed, dedicated
transportation infrastructure for the Capital region. Similar
studies are being done on Woodward Avenue in Detroit and also in Grand
Rapids.
By September, the steering committee hopes to present a more detailed analysis, incorporating all of the studies, to the public.
The project began about a year ago. The steering committee
identified Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Modern Streetcar and Light Rail
Transit (LRT) as the three most feasible options. It will be up to CATA
to round up the necessary funds as the project moves forward, according
to Alexander.
Source: Debbie Alexander
Writer: Andy Balaskovitz
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