The SEPTA Board voted today to award HNTB, Inc., a contract to advance engineering of the King of Prussia Rail (KOP Rail) extension of the Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL).
“SEPTA has to look at ways to increase capacity and expand the system to meet current demand and support future growth,” said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr. “The King of Prussia Rail project represents the type of investment that can transform mobility – figuratively and literally forming the backbone of an already thriving community.”
This contract will progress the engineering and architectural design from the conceptual Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), completing 15 percent of the total design (Phase I). An option is also incorporated to continue advancing engineering to 30 percent complete (Phase II). HNTB, Inc. will be involved in taking into consideration the public’s needs as the design is developed and finalized.
The total Phase I contract amount is $7,282,209, funded from an existing federal grant. The contract amount for the Phase II option is $27,328,176 (subject to availability of funding).
“It is great to see the project moving forward,” said Jerry Sweeney, President and CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, and Chairman of the KOP Rail Coalition. “KOP Rail promotes and strengthens regional growth, and is needed to connect the three largest employment centers in the region – King of Prussia, University City and Center City. I am excited to see where this project takes us.”
“Public transportation is an investment in our future,” said Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “The KOP Rail project will play a major role in transforming mobility throughout our region, reducing traffic congestion in the King of Prussia area, and improving the quality of life for generations to come.”
The NHSL currently provides service between SEPTA’s 69th Street and Norristown Transportation Centers, serving the Main Line area in Delaware and Montgomery counties, and connecting to Center City Philadelphia.
Information and updates on KOP Rail is available online at www.kingofprussiarail.com and on Twitter at @KOPRail. For more information about SEPTA, visit www.septa.org.