FINAL REPORT VRE Gainesville-Haymarket Feasibility Study Report Prepared for Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Alexandria, Virginia Prepared by Vienna, Virginia in association with AECOM The Perspectives Group Harris Miller Miller Hanson Inc. September 28, 2009 Table of Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................................................... i List of Figures ....................................................................................................................... iii List of Tables ........................................................................................................................ iv Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Relevant Planning Studies ......................................................................................... 2 1.1.1 VRE Strategic Plan ....................................................................................... 2 1.1.2 Gainesville-Haymarket Extension Implementation Plan ............................... 3 1.1.3 VRE Station Access Study ............................................................................ 4 1.1.4 VRE Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis ....................................... 4 1.1.5 VDOT Major Investment Study and Multimodal Transportation and Environmental Study .................................................................................................. 5 1.1.6 Prince William County Land Use Plans......................................................... 5 Existing Service ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Current Operations .................................................................................................... 8 2.1.1 Amtrak Services ............................................................................................ 8 2.1.2 Stations ......................................................................................................... 8 Existing Ridership ...................................................................................................... 9 2.2.1 Fare Revenue ............................................................................................. 12 Capacity ................................................................................................................... 12 Existing Fleet ........................................................................................................... 13 Storage and Cleaning .............................................................................................. 13 Capital Improvement Projects Underway................................................................. 14 Service Extension Options to Gainesville-Haymarket ................................................. 15 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc i Minimum Operating Segment .................................................................................. 15 Phased Approach .................................................................................................... 15 Full Build-Out ........................................................................................................... 16 3.3.1 Unconstrained Service (Alternative 1A from the Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis)............................................................................................... 16 3.3.2 Split Service Constrained (Alternative 1B from the GainesvilleHaymarket Alternatives Analysis) ............................................................................ 17 3.3.3 Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle (Alternative 1C from the Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis) ......................................................... 17 Areas of Evaluation .................................................................................................. 17 3.4.1 Capacity Constraints ................................................................................... 18 3.4.2 Equipment Needs........................................................................................ 18 3.4.3 Ridership ..................................................................................................... 20 3.4.4 Scheduling/Operations ................................................................................ 22 3.4.5 Costs ........................................................................................................... 23 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 3.4.6 Fare Revenue ............................................................................................. 27 Station Site Identification and Screening ....................................................................... 29 4.1 4.2 4.3 Station Site Identification ......................................................................................... 29 Evaluation Criteria.................................................................................................... 45 4.2.1 Site Evaluations .......................................................................................... 49 Station Location Recommendations ........................................................................ 80 Rail Infrastructure Assessment ......................................................................................... 81 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Corridor Conditions .................................................................................................. 81 Corridor Improvements ............................................................................................ 81 5.2.1 NS B Line Improvements ............................................................................ 82 5.2.2 Proposed Improvements ............................................................................. 82 Design Criteria ......................................................................................................... 82 Rail Infrastructure Needs ......................................................................................... 85 Other Infrastructure Needs ...................................................................................... 88 Environmental Considerations ................................................................................. 88 Train Storage Requirements .................................................................................... 90 5.7.1 Storage Options .......................................................................................... 90 5.7.2 Potential Sites for a Storage Yard ............................................................... 91 Findings ................................................................................................................................. 99 6.1 6.2 6.3 Terminus .................................................................................................................. 99 Comparison of Extension Options ........................................................................... 99 Conclusions ........................................................................................................... 100 Implementation .................................................................................................................. 103 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Funding Sources .................................................................................................... 103 7.1.1 Federal Funding ........................................................................................ 104 7.1.2 State Funding ............................................................................................ 105 7.1.3 Local Funding/Other Funding Sources ..................................................... 105 Implementation Steps for Pursuit of Federal Funding............................................ 106 Environmental Review ........................................................................................... 107 7.3.1 State Review ............................................................................................ 107 7.3.2 Federal Review ........................................................................................ 108 Project Delivery Mechanisms ................................................................................. 108 Appendix A: Service Plans .............................................................................................. 109 Appendix B: Operating and Maintenance Cost Estimates ........................................ 111 Appendix C: Fare Revenue Forecasts ............................................................................ 113 Appendix D1: Station Location Evaluation Criteria................................................... 115 Appendix D2: Station Location Evaluations ................................................................ 117 Appendix E: Capital Cost Estimates .............................................................................. 119 Appendix F: Rail Infrastructure Improvements .......................................................... 121 Appendix G: Schematic Layout of Rail Corridor ........................................................ 123 Appendix H: Design Criteria .......................................................................................... 125 \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc ii Final Report (Feasibility Study) List of Figures Figure 1-1: Figure 2-1: Figure 2-2: Figure 4-1: Figure 4-2: Figure 4-3: Figure 4-4: Figure 4-5: Figure 4-6: Figure 4-7: Figure 4-8: Figure 4-9: Figure 4-10: Figure 4-11: Figure 4-12: Figure 4-13: Figure 4-14: Figure 4-15: Figure 4-16: Figure 4-17: Figure 4-18: Figure 4-19: Figure 5-1: Figure 5-2: Figure 5-3: Figure 5-4: \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc iii NS B Line and Gainesville-Haymarket Corridor....................................................... 2 System Map ............................................................................................................. 7 VRE Origin Destination Map .................................................................................. 11 Potential Station Locations and Park & Ride Sites ................................................ 34 Haymarket Site 1 Conceptual Plan ........................................................................ 35 Haymarket Site 2 Conceptual Plan ........................................................................ 36 Gainesville Site 1 Conceptual Plan ........................................................................ 37 Dominion Station Site Conceptual Plan ................................................................. 38 Gainesville Site 2 Conceptual Plan ........................................................................ 39 Florida Rock Site Conceptual Plan ........................................................................ 40 Sudley Manor Site 1 Conceptual Plan ................................................................... 41 Sudley Manor Site 2 Conceptual Plan ................................................................... 42 Williams Site Conceptual Plan ............................................................................... 43 Wellington Road Site Conceptual Plan .................................................................. 44 Minority Population ................................................................................................ 72 Low-Income Population ......................................................................................... 73 Archaeologically Significant Sites .......................................................................... 74 Soils ....................................................................................................................... 75 Water Resources ................................................................................................... 76 Floodplains............................................................................................................. 77 Wetlands ................................................................................................................ 78 Hazardous Material Sites ....................................................................................... 79 Typical Rail Section ............................................................................................... 87 Storage Yard Layout Options................................................................................. 92 Florida Rock Site Conceptual Layover Plan .......................................................... 96 Haymarket Site 2 Conceptual Layover Plan .......................................................... 97 Final Report (Feasibility Study) List of Tables Table 2-1: Table 2-2: Table 2-3: Table 2-4: Table 3-1: Table 3-2: Table 3-3: Table 3-4: Table 4-1: Table 4-2: Table 5-1: Table 5-2: Table 6-1: \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc iv Stations ...................................................................................................................... 9 Estimated Unlinked Passenger Trips (EUPT) for VRE System ............................... 10 Average Daily and Average Annual Passenger Trips for Manassas Line ............... 10 VRE Current Ticket Fare by Ticket Type (2009) ...................................................... 12 Summary of Equipment Needs and Associated Capital Costs ................................ 19 Summary of Ridership Model Findings .................................................................... 21 Number of Trips ....................................................................................................... 23 Total Capital and O&M Costs (in $2008) ................................................................. 27 Site Scoring Matrix ................................................................................................... 48 Summary Matrix of Environmental Conditions .................................................... 70-71 Linear Feet of Wetlands and Floodplains Identified Along Rail Line........................ 89 Challenges Associated with Potential Storage Yard Sites .................................. 94-95 Advantages and Disadvantages of Extension Options .......................................... 100 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 1 Introduction The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Strategic Plan 2004-2025 listed an extension to the Gainesville-Haymarket region as one of several viable options for a potential network expansion of the Manassas Line. The Gainesville-Haymarket Feasibility Study was initiated to fulfill this need. The purpose of this Feasibility Study is to investigate the feasibility of expanding commuter service northwesterly for approximately 11 miles along the existing Norfolk Southern (NS) B Line from Manassas Station on the Manassas Line to the Gainesville-Haymarket region. The Feasibility Study will examine the project from an engineering, construction, ridership, operations, and cost perspective to aid in determining the value of adding commuter service for residents in the northern Virginia communities of View of existing NS corridor. Gainesville and Haymarket. The Feasibility Study is also intended to support VRE decision-making for future phases of this project. Figure 1-1 shows the NS B Line, which runs from just west of Manassas Station past Sudley, Gainesville, and Haymarket. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 1 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 1.1 Relevant Planning Studies There are several relevant planning studies that have been completed and should be evaluated in terms of the information they provide regarding a potential Gainesville-Haymarket extension. 1.1.1 VRE Strategic Plan The Phase 1 VRE Strategic Plan, completed in June 2002, focuses on near to midterm (through 2010) operating plans and capital requirements to maintain a high level of service quality while accommodating ridership demands. The Phase 2 Strategic Plan, completed in May 2004, addresses long-term (through 2025) operational and capital requirements. This Plan serves as the blueprint for the future VRE network in terms of service area, service design, and system infrastructure, including rolling stock. The Strategic Plan also identifies a range of potential growth scenarios – targeted, aggressive, and deferred – for future VRE system growth and expansion and the infrastructure and capital requirements necessary to support each scenario. Figure 1-1: NS B Line and Gainesville-Haymarket Corridor In order for VRE to reach its market potential, Phase 2 of the Strategic Plan recommends developing the core network to build up parking capacity, station facilities, and railroad infrastructure; improve service and expand the coverage; \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 2 Final Report (Feasibility Study) and proactively strive to establish development partnerships for funding. The concluding list of initiatives derived from Phase 2 of the Strategic Plan is: h h h h h h h h 1.1.2 Work towards a ridership goal of 26,000 – 30,000 trips per day. Improve the core VRE network and expand its capacity to carry VRE riders Acquire additional rolling stock and locomotives Construct storage and maintenance facilities Improve parking and station access Pursue expansion of opportunities to Gainesville and Spotsylvania Explore opportunities for partnerships, including TOD Update the plan in three to five years Gainesville-Haymarket Extension Implementation Plan The VRE Gainesville-Haymarket Extension Implementation Plan was completed in 2005 and explored the opportunity for service expansion in the corridor, studied potential station and storage sites, and researched public-private partnership funding opportunities. The extension proposed in the Implementation Plan was for 11 miles from the City of Manassas to Haymarket in Prince William County, Virginia. The Implementation Plan estimated that it would take approximately nine years to complete the full project extension if federal funding was pursued through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) New Starts Process. The Implementation Plan did not include travel demand modeling, but based on a rail market assessment developed as part of VRE’s Strategic Plan, it was estimated that there is potential for 3,100 to 5,500 trips per day by 2025 attributable to the Gainesville-Haymarket extension. Preliminary concept plans and capital cost estimates were included in the plan. The capital cost estimates ranged from $174 to $281 million and accounted for the railroad infrastructure, rail yard facility improvements, construction of three new stations and associated parking, and purchase of new vehicles to meet the future conditions. Preliminary action items outlined in the Implementation Plan include: h h h h Secure funding for and conduct a feasibility study, alternatives analysis, and environmental review. Develop corridor land use and station area plans and/or development guidelines as a basis for all ongoing rail extension work. Secure right-of-way and property for stations and railroad yards. Formalize working arrangements among stakeholders. The Implementation Plan describes several items that should be incorporated into the Feasibility Study: \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 3 Final Report (Feasibility Study) h h h h h h h h h h h 1.1.3 Ridership projections for future VRE service incorporating the Gainesville-Haymarket corridor. Ridership projections for potential express bus services and other transit services at the potential station locations to appropriately define parking needs. Railroad capacity analysis, using methods approved by CSX, NS, and Amtrak to verify the extent and configuration of railroad infrastructure required to meet each provider’s needs. Assessment of the impact of the new service on the existing railroad network. Conceptual engineering of the rail alignment to provide a basis for cost estimating. Identification of appropriate solutions for all existing grade crossings. Analysis of impacts of alternative station locations and station area development scenarios on potential VRE ridership, rail alignment, and rail infrastructure requirements. Analysis of alternative implementation phasing plans. Conceptual cost estimates. Financial analysis of the project to identify potential sources of capital funding and determine the level of projected operating subsidies following completion of the project. Close coordination with railroad stakeholders to ensure that the project emerging from the feasibility study incorporates all of the elements required to meet the needs and requirements of CSX, NS, and Amtrak associated with the project. VRE Station Access Study In April 2006, a Station Access Study was completed. The purpose of this study was to address the growing demand on parking capacity and access at the existing commuter rail stations. Recommendations were identified for paid parking, access improvements, commuter incentives, and partnering with jurisdictions on promoting TOD at certain stations. 1.1.4 VRE Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis In May 2009, the VRE Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis was completed. The purpose of this study was to identify the most appropriate transit investment strategies for improving mobility and regional access for residents in the communities of Gainesville and Haymarket to reach destinations in downtown Washington, DC and its surrounding business districts. The study evaluated different alternatives based on the conceptual routing options, operational characteristics, environmental issues, costs, ridership projections, and design constraints. The Alternatives Analysis included a two-tiered analysis \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 4 Final Report (Feasibility Study) of the alternatives. Tier 1 evaluated all potential transit options qualitatively and rated the alternatives based on the findings of the evaluation. Alternatives with a positive rating moved forward into Tier 2. Tier 2 evaluated two baseline scenarios and three build alternatives. It was recommended that one of the baseline scenarios and two of the build alternatives move forward into the next phase for further study. Further evaluations will focus on areas, such as service capacities, the location of the end of line station for the rail alternatives, station locations, and more detailed environmental considerations. 1.1.5 VDOT Major Investment Study and Multimodal Transportation and Environmental Study In 1999, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), completed the I-66 Major Investment Study (MIS). This study recommended a collection of multimodal transportation investment strategies to address growing traffic congestion along the I-66 corridor between the Capitol Beltway (I-495) and US 15 in Haymarket. One of these investments was an extension of VRE service to the Gainesville-Haymarket corridor. The I-66 Multimodal Transportation and Environmental Study (MTES) followed the MIS process. Initiated in 2000, the purpose was to provide a comprehensive Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that evaluated the benefits and impacts of the multimodal transportation improvements and strategies for the I-66 corridor. The study area extended 24 miles from the US 15 interchange in Prince William County to the western limit of the I-495 interchange in Fairfax County. One of the strategies being developed as part of the joint VDOT/DRPT process was the Gainesville-Haymarket extension of commuter rail service. Work on the MTES was stopped by VDOT in 2004. 1.1.6 Prince William County Land Use Plans The Prince William County 2008 Comprehensive Plan shows the land use plans in the Gainesville-Haymarket corridor as a mixture of community, regional, flexible, and industrial employment centers; suburban residential (high density); regional commerce center; and public lands. Prince William County is currently working on Land Use and Transportation Updates to the Comprehensive Plan. This update includes guidelines for incorporating transit and smart growth principles into development and includes identified nodes of Commerce and Community along the I-66 corridor. The majority of the Gainesville-Haymarket corridor is located within the Prince William County I-66/Route 29 Sector Plan. This Plan is a separate chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and it identifies strategies for the effective and efficient design of new residential, commercial, and mixed-use development. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 5 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Future development plans, as promoted by Prince William County, would likely contribute to potential VRE ridership in the Gainesville-Haymarket corridor. The County has identified inter- and intra-county employment destinations. Existing employment and development patterns favor Washington, DC and inner suburbs as the regional employment center and support current VRE service schedules, which are oriented around peak traffic flow into Washington, DC in the morning and out in the evening. If this pattern changes in the future through the establishment of suburban employment centers (i.e. more intercounty travel), reverse peak service and inter-station service may play a larger role for VRE. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 6 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 2 Existing Service Commuter rail service operates on two lines in northern Virginia: from Washington, DC to Fredericksburg on tracks owned by CSX Corporation (CSX) and from Alexandria, VA to Manassas on tracks owned by NS (Mainline). From Union Station in Washington, DC, these two lines share the same CSX owned right-of-way for about 9.6 miles, to just south of Alexandria, Virginia, where they diverge. The Fredericksburg Line roughly follows Interstate 95 (I-95) and the Potomac River to the City of Fredericksburg, and the Manassas Line runs in a westerly direction from Alexandria, roughly paralleling I-66 approximately five miles to the south, into the cities of Manassas Park and Manassas. Figure 2-1 shows the VRE System Map. Figure 2-1: System Map \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 7 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 2.1 Current Operations Service is oriented towards Washington, DC in the morning peak periods (5:00AM-8:00AM) and in the opposite direction in the evening peak periods (4:00PM-7:00PM). There is no service on weekends. Weekday service provided between Broad Run and Union Station, Washington, DC includes: h Inbound (Broad Run to Union Station): ¾ AM Peak: Six trains (Departing Broad Run at 5:05, 5:45, 6:15, 6:40, 7:20, and 7:50 AM) ¾ Mid-day: One train (Departing Broad Run at 2:45 PM) ¾ PM Peak: One train (Departing Broad Run at 5:01 PM) h Outbound (Union Station to Broad Run): ¾ AM Peak: One train (Departing Union Station at 6:25 AM) ¾ Mid-day: Two trains (Departing Union Station at 1:15 PM and 3:45 PM) ¾ PM Peak: Five trains (Departing Union Station at 4:25, 5:00, 5:30, 6:10, and 6:50 PM) Peak period headways are approximately 30 minutes inbound in the AM Peak and outbound in the PM Peak. The existing operating schedule provides 16 VRE Manassas Line train trips between Alexandria and Union Station. This service yields an annual total of 141,500 train miles, including revenue and nonrevenue miles. 2.1.1 Amtrak Services Amtrak trains supplement VRE service in the off-peak periods through the Amtrak Cross Honor Agreement. Amtrak trains are available only to VRE riders with a valid 10-Trip, Five Day, Monthly, or TLC ticket. Amtrak does not accept VRE Single-Ride, Round Trip Tickets, or Free Ride Certificates. To ride Amtrak trains, a multi-fare VRE ticket must be accompanied by a Step-Up Ticket. The additional Amtrak service to be implemented by the Commonwealth of Virginia includes two additional weekday Amtrak trains on the Manassas Line (inbound to DC from Lynchburg in the mid-morning and outbound to Lynchburg from DC at 4:50 PM) and two additional weekday Amtrak trains on the Fredericksburg Line (inbound to DC from Richmond in AM peak and outbound from DC to Richmond at 3:55 PM). The Lynchburg service is planned to begin in fall 2009 with the Richmond service toward the end of 2009. 2.1.2 Stations There are currently 18 stations served by VRE trains. Four of the 18 stations are serviced by both lines. Seven stations also serve as stops for Amtrak intercity \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 8 Final Report (Feasibility Study) trains. There are three stations located near the study area: Manassas, Manassas Park, and Broad Run/Airport. These stations provide free commuter parking. Manassas, Manassas Park, and Broad Run/Airport stations have 686, 600, and 885 available parking spaces, respectively. A 532-space parking garage facility has recently been constructed adjacent to the Manassas Station. The City of Manassas and VRE will share this facility, with 313 spaces reserved for VRE riders during commuting hours. Table 2-1 provides a list of all VRE stations and shows which service providers share those stations. Table 2-1: Stations Union Station L’Enfant Crystal City Alexandria Backlick Road Rolling Road Burke Centre Manassas Park Manassas Broad Run/Airport Franconia/Springfield Lorton Woodbridge Rippon Quantico Brooke Leeland Fredericksburg Amtrak VRE Intercity Passenger Trains Manassas Line Fredericksburg Line X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Source: VRE website (www.vre.org). 2.2 Existing Ridership Average daily ridership for the past three years (2006, 2007 and 2008) has been 14,667; 13,982; and 15,135, respectively. Table 2-2 shows monthly ridership totals for the years 2004 through 2008. Table 2-3 presents the 2007 Average Daily and Annual Passenger Trips along the Manassas Line. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 9 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Table 2-2: Estimated Unlinked Passenger Trips (EUPT) for VRE System January February March April May June July August September October November December Year 2004 Year 2005 Year 2006 Year 2007 Year 2008 276,231 289,342 347,190 324,377 299,489 326,486 316,063 326,748 320,121 303,053 287,842 289,192 291,407 287,469 351,671 317,977 325,002 339,914 305,628 329,201 314,748 299,471 289,180 273,205 286,116 286,416 340,657 287,905 322,490 275,190 272,934 307,941 314,748 300,888 272,084 252,720 300,407 258,944 309,310 288,277 310,046 298,345 292,043 317,035 275,476 323,994 277,425 239,696 317,646 297,205 312,098 336,860 305,560 328,153 338,591 319,222 340,516 352,652 271,125 297,356 Yearly Total 3,706,134 3,724,873 3,520,089 3,490,998 3,816,984 Monthly Avg. 308,845 310,406 293,341 290,917 318,082 Source: Based on information provided by VRE. Table 2-3: Average Daily and Annual Passenger Trips for Manassas Line Stations Broad Run Manassas Manassas Park Burke Centre Rolling Road Backlick Road Average Daily Passenger Trips (2007) 699 622 604 714 374 148 Average Annual Passenger Trips (2007) 201,711 150,627 155,923 175,029 98,570 42,758 Source: VRE Average Daily and Annual Passenger Trips by Station and Line for Calendar Year 2007. NVTC website (2008). Figure 2-2 shows the existing VRE passenger origins. The rider points of origin are color-coded with the station in which they board. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 10 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Jefferson Winchester Winchester How 270 97 7 Frederick Montgomery Clarke 522 340 A Leesburg Loudoun 355 650 11 340 50 Wolf Trap Herndon District of Columbia McLean 267 Reston Warren 15 66 Front Royal Fairfax 123 Chantilly 495 Arlington 7100 522 17 Jefferson Arlington Vienna Centreville Crystal City Alexandria Merrifield 29 Prince Alexandria Haymarket Norfolk Southern 'B' Line Union Station L'Enfant Burke Centre Backlick Road Rolling Road 123 Bull Run Manassas Park Burke Manassas Franconia Franconia/Springfield 123 Warrenton Fauquier 215 600 28 Broad Run Manassas Fort Hunt Lake Ridge Lorton Lorton Rappahannock Prince William Dale City 211 234 Woodbridge Woodbridge Rippon Montclair 28 29 NewingtonMount Vernon 210 Quantico Quantico Marine Marine Corps Corps Base Base 15 Charles Quantico Culpeper 301 522 Summerduck Stafford Madison 17 Brooke Lake of the Woods Leeland Road 3 15 218 Fredericksburg 206 Fredericksburg 20 3 King George Orange 522 Spotsylvania 17 95 Westm Fort Fort A AP P Hill Hill Military Military Res Res 1 33 Caroline Louisa Essex 64 Source: ESRI Streetmap 9.1 (2005) Fluvanna Figure 2-2 3-3 Existing VRE Passenger Origins 360 Legend 15 VRE Gainesville-Haymarket Extension Feasibility Study/ Alternatives Analysis Alexandria Crystal City Lorton Backlick Road Franconia/Springfield Manassas Union Station Broad Run/Airport 522 Fredericksburg Manassas Park Woodbridge Brooke L'Enfant Quantico Burke Centre Leeland Road Rippon Goochland Passenger origin - color coded by station of origin (based on VRE Rider Survey 2008) Rolling Road Hanover VRE_Extension 0 295 1.5 3 4.5 6 Miles King and King William 2.2.1 Fare Revenue Current fare revenue by ticket type as of March 2009 is shown in Table 2-4. VRE’s current boarding percentage by ticket type was calculated using the current ticket fares and the data on revenue generated by ticket type. The percentage of riders boarding with each type of ticket is: h h h h h h Single-Ride: 2.8% Two-Trip: 3.6% Ten-Trip: 37.3% Five-Day: 6.4% Monthly: 48.9% Amtrak Step-Up: 1.1% Table 2-4: VRE Current Ticket Fare Revenue by Ticket Type (2009) Single Ride Two-Trip Ten-Trip Five-Day Monthly $9.15 $8.60 $8.00 $6.80 $6.25 $18.30 $17.20 $16.00 $13.60 $12.50 $84.20 $78.80 $73.30 $62.60 $57.10 $73.20 $68.50 $63.80 $54.40 $45.00 $253.60 $237.30 $220.90 $188.50 $155.80 Ticket Fare (2009) Zone 8 Zone 7 Zone 6 Zone 4 Zone 3 Note: Amtrak Step-Up Tickets are $9.95. 2.3 Capacity Per a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CSX, VRE is limited to 40 trains per day system-wide for the CSX owned tracks from approximately one mile west of the Alexandria Station to Union Station, Washington, DC. Currently, 16 daily trains are operated on the Manassas Line and 14 daily trains on the Fredericksburg Line (13 of the Fredericksburg Line trains operate in revenue service and one operates in non-revenue service). The combined service results in a total of 30 daily trains in the corridor between Alexandria and Union Stations. The MOU identifies additional trains by line, although modifications to the ratio could be proposed for future operations. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 12 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 2.4 Existing Fleet The existing Manassas Line service uses five train sets to make 16 daily trips. Each train set consists of one locomotive and coaches; four of the train sets have six coaches and the fifth train set has eight coaches. Two of these sets make a single AM inbound trip and then enter a mid-day layover facility in Washington, DC. These trains exit the layover facility in time for the PM peak and make a single outbound trip. The remaining three train sets make additional trips during the day. Existing Manassas Station. All five train sets use the layover facility in Washington, DC at some time during the day. The train sets are stored at night in Broad Run Yard. For the overall system (Manassas and Fredericksburg services), there are currently 67 coaches and 11 locomotives (sometimes 12 depending on the specific equipment) used for daily service. VRE has 21 locomotives, 18 of which are owned and 3 of which are leased. The majority of these locomotives are over 40 years old. A locomotive replacement program is underway; however, it is currently only partially funded. There are 61 “new” Sumitomo gallery coaches and 30 “old” Pullman gallery coaches. Ten additional Sumitomo coaches are scheduled for delivery in February 2010. Once the 10 additional coaches are received, no additional coach purchases are expected until the locomotive replacement project is fully funded to replace up to 20 VRE locomotives. 2.5 Storage and Cleaning Daytime storage tracks are leased from Amtrak at their Ivy City Yard located just outside Union Terminal in Washington, DC. Amtrak does light servicing and maintenance on the locomotives at this facility. There are 78 units (1 unit = 1 locomotive or 1 coach) currently stored at the Ivy City Yard during the day. The 78 units maximize the daytime storage capacity for VRE equipment at Ivy City. VRE is currently exploring options to relocate/expand their daytime storage. VRE owns rail yards at the two southern ends of its system: Broad Run Yard at Manassas Airport and the Crossroads Yard south of Fredericksburg. These facilities provide overnight storage for equipment and servicing. The Crossroads Yard provides heavy maintenance and repair functions. It is also equipped with a car wash to clean the exterior of the locomotives and coaches. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 13 Final Report (Feasibility Study) A heavy maintenance and repair facility similar to the one at Crossroads Yard is currently being constructed at Broad Run Yard. Initially, this facility will not have a car wash. The storage capacity of Broad Run Yard is 62 units. This will increase to about 67 units with the construction of the new facility. Long-term, additional storage capacity is still needed since the Broad Run Yard does not have expansion capacity. It has been VRE’s thought that additional overnight storage could be located on Gainesville-Haymarket extension to expand capacity. A Gainesville-Haymarket facility would also enable more efficient operations (eliminate or minimize deadhead moves in peak periods). 2.6 Capital Improvement Projects Underway Current capital improvement projects underway include: \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 14 h Broad Run Maintenance Facilities: Construction of a maintenance facility at Broad Run Yard and to extend storage tracks within the Yard. The facility is designed to accommodate major overhauls and repairs. In the future, a train carwash is planned. h Brooke Station Parking Lot Expansion: Expansion of the existing parking lot at Brooke Station. h Burke Centre Station Platform Extension: Construction of a platform and canopy extension at Burke Centre Station. h Cherry Hill Third Track: Completion of an Environmental Assessment and Preliminary (30%) Design for the addition of approximately 11.4 miles of mainline third track within the CSX line between Aquia Creek and Powell’s Creek, making full use of the newly constructed Quantico Creek Bridge. As this phase of the project is being performed, VRE is pursuing additional funding that will advance the project through final design and eventually construction in 2011. h Leeland Road Station Parking Lot Expansion: Expansion of the existing parking lot at the VRE Leeland Road Station. h Woodbridge Station Expansion: Construction of a second platform and kiss and ride facility at the VRE Woodbridge Station. Final Report (Feasibility Study) 3 Service Extension Options to Gainesville-Haymarket This chapter describes various commuter rail service extension options from Manassas to Gainesville-Haymarket, and the methodology applied to evaluate them. The options have been developed to offer a range of investment of service opportunities. Both minimal and full options are considered. 3.1 Minimum Operating Segment As a short-term approach to providing service to the Gainesville-Haymarket area, a minimum operating segment (MOS) option could be implemented to one station (single platform) in Gainesville. This option would be an overlay of the existing Broad Run service. Two round trips per day between Gainesville and Washington, DC would be added – two inbound trips to Washington, DC in the AM Peak Period and two outbound trips to Gainesville in the PM Peak Period. These trips would keep the total VRE service within the capacity constraint of 40 trains per day. Minor modifications to the current Manassas Line schedule would be needed. The service would be provided using spare equipment that is currently excess equipment (not required to meet the spare ratio), offering a starting point for regular service to/from the Gainesville-Haymarket area. It would still require building a second track parallel to the existing NS B Line. Trains could be stored on a secure siding at the station to support the initial service plan. This option would require minimal capital resources, as no new vehicles would be needed. 3.2 Phased Approach A second approach would be to pursue a phased implementation plan to the Gainesville-Haymarket area. This approach would include a more robust schedule of service than the MOS option to Gainesville as the first phase. The \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 15 Final Report (Feasibility Study) second phase would include extending the service to Haymarket. This option would require more capital resources than the MOS option discussed in Section 3.1 because it would run more frequent service (similar to the full build-out option in Section 3.3). This service would make five round trip runs per day (10 total trips), which is within the capacity constraint of 40 trains per day. It would require more extensive modifications to the current Manassas Line schedule. The initial phase would include stations in Gainesville and in the Sudley/Innovation area. The second phase would add the Haymarket Station as funding permits. The phased approach would provide a transit benefit to more riders initially than the MOS through more frequent service and an additional station, but would cost less, at least initially, than the full build-out option. 3.3 Full Build-Out The full build-out option includes adding the new branch of service all the way to Haymarket. Heading in a westerly direction along the NS B Line from Manassas Station, trains would stop at three stations in the Sudley/Innovation, Gainesville, and Haymarket areas. This option would require the most significant capital resources in one outlay but may be more cost effective than extending the investment over multiple years and phases. It would most effectively meet the transit needs of the growing population along the entirety of the Gainesville-Haymarket corridor. The full build-out option could vary based on three potential service scenarios: h Unconstrained Service h Split Service Constrained h Split Service Constrained (with rail shuttle service) 3.3.1 Unconstrained Service (Alternative 1A from the Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis) The Unconstrained Service option adds a new branch of commuter service that would run to/from Union Station, Washington, DC and Haymarket. This service would overlay the existing VRE Manassas Line service to/from Union Station, Washington, DC and Broad Run Station. This service scenario would provide the following trips on the Manassas Line: h h Broad Run to Washington DC: 16 round-trip Haymarket to Washington DC: 16 round-trip The total number of trips on the Manassas Line (32) combined with the existing Fredericksburg trains would exceed VRE’s system wide constraint of 40 trains per day on the CSX tracks between NS mile 9.12 (Seminary CFP 103), \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 16 Final Report (Feasibility Study) approximately one mile south of Alexandria Station and Washington, DC Union Station. Implementation challenges for this alternative include the need to negotiate for additional slots above the 40 trains per day maximum as well as accommodate additional mid-day/overnight storage requirements. 3.3.2 Split Service Constrained (Alternative 1B from the Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis) Working within the system wide capacity constraint of 40 trains per day, this option would evenly split the theoretical 20 trips per day for the Manassas Line evenly between Broad Run Station and Haymarket. As a result, five roundtrips per day would service each terminal. This would require modifying the current Manassas Line schedule. There are no major implementation challenges associated with this option since additional slots on CSX are not needed, although mid-day/overnight storage capacity may be a concern depending on the operating plan. 3.3.3 Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle (Alternative 1C from the GainesvilleHaymarket Alternatives Analysis) This option offers the same 10 daily roundtrips from the two Manassas Line terminals (Broad Run and Haymarket) to Washington, DC. In addition, this option adds a rail shuttle service that runs to/from Alexandria Station and primarily Haymarket. This shuttle would offer a two-seat ride to Washington, DC through a transfer at Alexandria Station to Metrorail and would also provide an all day reverse commute service from Alexandria to the Manassas and the Gainesville-Haymarket area. This shuttle service slightly overlaps the portion of the CSX controlled rail line that is subject to the capacity constraint. The ‘split’ between NS and CSX territory and the start of the capacity constraint is approximately one mile west of the Alexandria Station. Implementation challenges for this option include coordinating with NS and CSX for the rail shuttle service and to obtain expanded access to the Alexandria Station. Additional capacity improvements on CSX and improvements at the Alexandria Station and expansion of mid-day/overnight storage may be required in support of this option. 3.4 Areas of Evaluation The feasibility of each of these commuter rail expansion options is assessed in the following six main areas: h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 17 Capacity Constraints Final Report (Feasibility Study) h h h h h 3.4.1 Equipment Needs Ridership Scheduling/Operations Costs Fare Revenue Capacity Constraints As noted in Section 2.3, VRE has a system-wide capacity constraint of 40 trains per day. These 40 trains per day can generally be split evenly between the Fredericksburg and Manassas Lines. Although the MOU does identify the addition of trains by line, modifications may be proposed for future operations. This constraint begins approximately one mile south of the Alexandra Station at NS mile 9.12 (Seminary CFP 103), where the Manassas Line diverges from the Fredericksburg Line. The Unconstrained option requires negotiations between all parties to identify and fund the modifications necessary to support the service expansion. The Split Service Constrained option assumes that service added works within the existing agreement and the no new capacity improvements are required. The Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle option would also require negotiations to address the capacity issues on the CSX controlled territory. It is assumed that the cost of the solution may be less since the option only impacts a short one-mile segment and Alexandria Station. An alternative option would be to explore staying in NS territory, stopping short of Alexandria at an infill station at Van Dorn Metrorail or similar, but this would need to be further evaluated. 3.4.2 Equipment Needs As previously summarized in Chapter 2, VRE currently has 21 locomotives (18 of which are owned and 3 of which are leased) and 91 coaches (61 “new” and 30 “old” gallery coaches). Ten additional gallery coaches are scheduled for delivery by February 2010. VRE currently uses 11 locomotives and 67 coaches for daily revenue service system wide. For the Manassas Line, five train sets (five locomotives and 32 coaches) are in operation. Based on the current fleet and anticipated system needs, VRE estimates that three locomotives could be available for a Gainesville-Haymarket service, helping to offset equipment purchase costs for the extension options. The total anticipated equipment needs are: h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 18 MOS option: This option would utilize two of the extra locomotives. While it is currently uncertain whether extra coaches would be available to operate this service, existing train sets could be modified as necessary to Final Report (Feasibility Study) obtain the minimal number of coaches required. It is anticipated that the current fleet can meet the equipment needs of the MOS option. h Phased Approach option: This option would require purchasing additional equipment. Assuming the service frequency is equivalent to the level of service proposed in the Full Build-Out Split Service option, the quantity of new equipment required would be: ¾ 1 new locomotive needed – 3 extra locomotives available = None ¾ 10 new coaches needed – 0 extra coaches available = 10 new coaches h Full Build-Out Unconstrained option: This option would require more trains that the Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained option, but how many more trains would be needed depends on the frequency of operation that could be negotiated. h Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained: ¾ 1 new locomotive needed – 3 extra locomotives available = None ¾ 10 new coaches needed – 0 extra coaches available = 10 new coaches h Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle: ¾ 6 new locomotives needed – 3 extra locomotives available = 3 new locomotives ¾ 32 new coaches – 0 extra coaches available = 32 new coaches A summary of equipment needs and their associated capital costs for these options are shown in Table 3-1. Table 3-1: Summary of Equipment Needs and Associated Capital Costs for Extension Options. Total Equipment Needed Net Equipment Purchase* Sets Loco Coaches Loco Coaches MOS 2 2 6** 0 0 $0 M $0 M $0 M Phased Approach 1 1 10 0 10 $0 M $23 M $23 M Split Service Constrained 1 1 10 0 10 $0 M $23 M $23 M Split Service Plus Shuttle 6 6 32 3 32 $14 M $74 M $88 M Capital Costs Loco Coaches Total * Net Equipment Purchase equals Total Equipment Needed less the available extra equipment (three locomotives). ** The MOS assumes a modification of existing train sets to obtain extra coaches to run this service. Note that these estimates do not include an industry standard 10 percent spare ratio. The spare ratio is based on the total fleet size, not the incremental \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 19 Final Report (Feasibility Study) purchase. There may be excess equipment in the fleet such that when a purchase is made, no additional spares are required because the 10 percent ratio is already met. For their total fleet, VRE would need approximately two spare locomotives and 10 spare coaches system wide. The Gainesville-Haymarket to DC and Broad Run to DC vehicle fleet would need to be rotated, such that all vehicles are able to be cleaned and maintained at the Broad Run Yard/Layover Facility. 3.4.3 Ridership Ridership data for the Gainesville-Haymarket extension was initially compiled as part of the Strategic Plan in 2004. These ridership modeling results demonstrated an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 trips per day attributable to the Gainesville-Haymarket extension. This included a Full Build-Out option with three stations (Sudley/Innovation, Gainesville, and Haymarket), unconstrained capacity, and frequent headways of approximately 30 minutes for the existing Manassas Line service and the new branch to/from Union Station, Washington, DC and Haymarket. This service plan resulted in an appropriate 15 minute headway in the trunk line between Manassas Station and Washington, DC. A second travel demand model forecasting process was developed as part of the Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis to forecast the projected ridership for the extension options. This process was based on the current Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) model set (Version 2.2), related work on other projects in the Washington metropolitan area, and adjustments to better match observed transit travel in the Gainesville-Haymarket corridor. Specific details about the model and its enhancements can be found in Appendix E of the Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis report. These ridership modeling results demonstrated an estimated 1,000 to 3,600 trips per day attributable to the Gainesville-Haymarket extension. This included a Full Build-Out option with three stations (Sudley/Innovation, Gainesville, and Haymarket), working within the existing capacity constraint and service plan, and less frequent headways of approximately 50-60 minutes for the existing Manassas Line service and the new branch to/from Union Station, Washington, DC and Haymarket. Working within the capacity constraint lessens the service frequency and results in lower ridership forecast numbers. It should be noted that the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) model is highly sensitive to service frequency. The calibration for transit service is closer to a rapid transit service (i.e. Metrorail) than it is to a commuter rail service frequency. Even slight adjustments in frequencies resulted in significant ridership shifts. To address this issue, two model test runs were conducted. These runs shifted all of the service to the Gainesville-Haymarket \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 20 Final Report (Feasibility Study) corridor to test the sensitivity of the model. These test runs resulted in forecast ridership attributed to the Gainesville-Haymarket extension of approximately 5,500 trips per day (Alternatives Analysis, Appendix E). Table 3-2 summarizes of the ridership model findings for the GainesvilleHaymarket Alternatives Analysis. This includes the Full Build-Out options (Split Service Constrained and Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle), as well as the two test runs, 1G and 1H (service ending in Gainesville and Haymarket, respectively). Total Manassas Line Trips include all VRE trips (inbound and outbound service). Total Manassas Line Study Area Trips include all VRE trips (inbound and outbound service) to/from the study area stations: Manassas Park, Manassas, Broad Run, Sudley Manor/Innovation, Gainesville, and Haymarket. Between the ridership projections from the Strategic Plan and the GainesvilleHaymarket Alternatives Analysis, it can be concluded that a rail extension to Gainesville-Haymarket would add needed capacity and choice to the VRE system. The forecast methodology differed among these two studies, but the range of ridership potential was identified as somewhere between 1,000 and 5,000 trips per day. These results demonstrate a market for commuter rail service in the Gainesville-Haymarket corridor, but the size of this market is dependent upon the frequency of the service offered. A key finding is that a new end of the line station in Gainesville or Haymarket has the potential to attract a similar level of ridership as Broad Run Station. The projected station boardings are in Appendix F of the Alternatives Analysis. Table 3-2: Summary of Daily Ridership Model Findings Total VRE Manassas Line Trips (Per Day) Total Manassas Line Study Area Trips (Per Day) 1. Split Service Constrained (1B) Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle (1C) Test 1G Option 11,394 17,500 9,388 10,046 6,126 9,156 4,174 6,058 Test 1H Option Source: Appendix F of VRE Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis Key to establishing a final set of forecast ridership projections will be a determination regarding the level of service than can realistically be provided to the two Manassas Line termini: Broad Run and Gainesville-Haymarket. An initial starter service to one station in Gainesville is going to attract a smaller base of ridership than a full service plan to three new stations. The starter service would be helpful to start establishing a real demand for the service and provide a platform from which to build a full service plan. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 21 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 3.4.4 Scheduling/Operations Operating plans for the extension options were developed to allow the identification of vehicle requirements, estimation of capital costs, estimation of operating & maintenance costs and modeling of ridership. The conceptual operating plans for the options consist of planned headway and travel times for each proposed and modified existing corridor. The operating plans were established based on existing constraints, including the capacity constraint into Washington, DC. The service periods were defined as follows: h h h AM Peak: 5-8 AM Mid-day: 8 AM-4 PM PM Peak: 4-7 PM For the Minimum Operating Segment option, the existing Manassas Line schedule does not change. Two round trips per day (two inbound during the AM Peak and two outbound during the PM Peak) would be added to the new branch to Gainesville. Operating plans for the Phased Approach option would include service frequency along the new branch to Gainesville beyond that which is offered in the Minimum Operating Segment. In order to achieve this frequency and work within the existing capacity constraint, the Phased Approach option would reduce the number of trips on the current Manassas Line schedule serving Broad Run Station. The operating plan for this option is the same as the operating plan for the Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained option, except that the Phased Approach ends in Gainesville. Peak period headways would be approximately 52 minutes inbound and outbound. The proposed operating schedule provides 20 trips per day total for the existing Manassas Line (terminating at Broad Run Station) and the new branch of service (terminating at Gainesville). This is within the VRE allotment of the 40 trains per day maximum for both lines (assuming 20 trains per day for the Fredericksburg Line) set by the capacity constraint. Preliminary schedules are shown in Appendix A. Table 3-3 provides a summary of the number of trips and their scheduled departure times for the Split Service Constrained and the Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle. The Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle option would offer a similar operating schedule to the Split Service Constrained, except that this option adds a commuter rail shuttle from Gainesville-Haymarket to Alexandria Station. In Alexandria, riders can transfer to and from Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail trains. Peak period headways would be approximately 60 minutes for the Gainesville-Haymarket to Washington DC trip, \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 22 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 30 minutes for the Broad Run to Washington DC trip, and 45 minutes for the Gainesville-Haymarket to Alexandria rail shuttle service trip. With the exception of a short segment of the rail shuttle that overlaps the portion of track subject to the capacity constraint, this option is within the capacity constraint. Table 3-3: Number of Trips # Trips Split Service Constrained AM Peak In Out In Out In Out Mid-day PM Peak Split Service Constrained Plus Shuttle AM Peak In Out In Out In Out Mid-day PM Peak 1. 2. 3. 4. 3.4.5 # Trips New CR from G-H to DC 3 1 1 1 1 3 Modified Existing CR from Broad Run to DC 4 1 0 0 1 4 New CR from G-H to DC Modified Existing CR from Broad Run to DC 3 0 0 0 0 3 # Trips # Daily Trips1 20 New CR Shuttle from G-H to Alexandria 6 1 1 1 0 5 3 2 10 9 2 4 20 VRE trips for the commuter rail options are on Manassas Line only. CR=Commuter Rail; G-H=Gainesville-Haymarket. VRE operates Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This represents a 15-hour service day. There are no pre-AM peak or post-PM peak train starts. Costs Conceptual capital costs and operating and maintenance (O&M) costs were estimated for the extension options as part of this study and are presented in 2008 dollars. The year 2008 was selected as the base year for the purpose of presenting all costs associated with the project, since this was used as the existing year for modeling purposes. Also, the O&M cost models were developed using VRE’s latest available FY2008 operating expenses. 3.4.5.1 Conceptual Capital Costs Conceptual capital cost estimates were developed based on the conceptual alignments and operating plans. The items in the cost estimates are grouped into nine categories, which are consistent with the FTA’s Standard Cost Categories (SCCs) for Major Capital Projects. These categories are: h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 23 Guideway and Track Elements Final Report (Feasibility Study) h h h h h h h h Station, Stops, Terminals, Intermodals Support Facilities: Yards, Shops, Administrative Buildings. Sitework and Special Conditions Systems ROW, Land, Existing Improvements Vehicles Professional Services Unallocated Contingency A list of assumptions included as part of the conceptual capital cost estimates are: h All capital cost estimates have been developed using current year (2008) dollars. h Base Year: 2008 was used as the Base Year for definition of the unit prices and preparation of the capital cost estimates. h Unit costs used in the capital cost estimates are based on averages of costs for similar recent construction in the mid-Atlantic region. h Unallocated Contingency: An unallocated contingency of 32% was used in the estimates. This contingency is applied to the total capital cost for each option. The capital cost estimates include infrastructure items, such as track installation, land acquisition, station design and parking, signal system installation, and equipment acquisition. The cost assumptions do not include grade separation projects along the B Line. These are independent projects that VRE will need to coordinate with VDOT and other agencies as required. Infrastructure requirements were identified at a conceptual level based on the proposed alignments. For example, the quantity of new track that would be needed is based on assumptions about the design speed, operating plan, and available track. Site structures and the signal system to be installed were estimated based on assumed or existing conditions, such as where retaining walls may be needed and the capabilities of the current signal system on the corridor. Improvements made by the Commonwealth of Virginia and NS, such as passing sidings and signalization updates were accounted for in the estimate. Improvements required to overcome the existing capacity constraint into Washington DC associated with any of the options are not included in the estimates. Equipment requirements were estimated based on the modeling results, utilizing the conceptual operating plans developed for each option. The number of vehicles needed is a function of the length of the route, planned headways, the \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 24 Final Report (Feasibility Study) average speed, and the turnaround times. Vehicle requirements are estimated based on these factors and include accommodating for existing fleet. Note that the cost estimates do not include spare locomotives and coaches as described in Section 3.4.2. Vehicle parking requirements and lot sizes were estimated for each potential station based on the modeling results for test options 1G and 1H, which demonstrate the maximum ridership potential of stations along the GainesvilleHaymarket extension. The expansion of parking facilities at existing stations that would be attributed to the Gainesville-Haymarket service expansion was also included. The conceptual capital costs for the extension options are presented in Table 3-4. As shown in the table, the MOS option would require the lowest capital cost of $65 million, while the Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle option would require the highest capital cost of over $240 million. The capital cost for the Phased Approach option (Phase 1 only with service to Gainesville as an end of line station and an intermediate station in Sudley/Innovation) would be approximately $122 million. The Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained option is estimated at $160 million. The Full Build-Out Spilt Service for both the Constrained option and the Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle option were assessed in the Alternatives Analysis report as Alternatives 1B and 1C, respectively. Further detail on the capital cost estimates is included in Appendix E. The MOS option seeks to identify the minimal investment necessary to begin conducting service to the Gainesville area. To achieve this, there are a couple of cost items unique to the MOS option: \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc h Land Acquisition: If the existing rail line is shifted or relocated slightly, two tracks can fit into the existing right-of-way without land acquisition. To estimate the minimal investment necessary on the MOS option, it is assumed that a combination of relocating the existing track and acquiring land (needed for areas where the second track is constructed adjacent to the existing track without relocating the existing track) will be implemented for the MOS options. This reduces the land acquisition cost from approximately $8 million to $4 million, as detailed in Appendix E, but this does not include costs for the addition of retaining walls and other structural modifications that may be necessary to accommodate two tracks in the existing right-of-way. h Development Proffers: As shown in Table 3-4, under the MOS option, there is an opportunity for private developers to proffer all or a portion of the costs for the VRE extension. The private contribution could include as much as the costs for the station, parking, adjacent roadway improvements and access, utilities, pedestrian improvements and landscaping, and any land acquisition necessary for the station. These costs are noted in the 25 Final Report (Feasibility Study) detailed table for the MOS option in Appendix E and would reduce the total estimated cost for the MOS option from $58 million to $43 million. These options could be conducted for any of the extension options, but for simplicity are only shown for the MOS option. 3.4.5.2 Conceptual O&M Costs Conceptual O&M costs were estimated based on alignments, operating plans, and service levels for the Build Alternatives. Operating and maintenance costs are the expenses incurred to provide day-to-day operations and maintenance of the transit system. Labor and direct expenses are two main components of O&M costs. Labor expenses include salaries of management, administrative, operations, and maintenance staff. The staffing level required for a project is based on the fleet size and the hours of operation for the proposed service. Direct expenses include costs for management, administration, operations, equipment and right-of-way maintenance, power/utilities, spares/consumables, cleaning/facilities maintenance, and other contingencies. Based on the data received from VRE showing the total cost of annual operating expenses and the total number of annual train miles, the current cost per mile of train service was calculated. VRE’s FY2008 actual operating expenses totaled $48,063,499. The total annual train miles system-wide, including revenue and nonrevenue miles, is 347,500. Thus, the cost per train mile is $138.71. Appendix B shows the detailed breakdown of this calculation. The Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle uses a separate cost per train mile, $69.36, for the shuttle service, which is based on three-car consists. Based on these cost models, the annual conceptual O&M costs for the extension options were calculated and are presented in Table 3-4. These represent the total O&M cost for each alternative, including existing or modified existing service. As shown in the table, the O&M cost in the MOS option is approximately $20 M and includes two new round trips from Gainesville to DC in addition to the existing Broad Run to DC service. The Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle option would require the highest O&M cost of $44 million. The O&M costs under the Phased options and the Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained option would are approximately $27 million. The Full Build-Out Spilt Service for both the Constrained option and the Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle option were assessed in the Alternatives Analysis report as Alternatives 1B and 1C, respectively. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 26 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Table 3-4: Total Capital and O&M Costs (in $2008) Minimum Operating Segment Total Capital Cost Full Build-Out Split Service Constraint (1B) Full Build-Out Split Service Constraint + Rail Shuttle (1C) $58 M/$43M* $122 M $159 M $243 M $20 M $26 M $27 M $44 M Total Annual O&M Cost** Note: 3.4.6 Phased Option with 2 Stations * Represents the total costs for the MOS option minus the costs that could potentially be covered through a private development proffer. ** The costs shown in this table represent the annual O&M costs for the entire Manassas Line service under this scenario. Fare Revenue The fare revenue was forecasted based upon the current ticket fares, the percentage of riders boarding with each type of ticket, the estimated daily boardings, and 250 service days per year. Annual forecasted fare revenues for the extension options range from $16.3 million to $25.6 million. The fare revenue would partially offset the total O&M costs, and the adjusted annual O&M costs range from approximately $10 million to $20 million annually. A detailed breakdown of the fare revenue forecasts is in Appendix C. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 27 Final Report (Feasibility Study) This Page Left Blank Intentionally. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 28 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 4 Station Site Identification and Screening This chapter discusses the proposed station site alternatives and the process by which each station site was evaluated to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each site. The station site identification and screening includes two phases: the first phase focused on the initial identification of potential sites; the second phase focused on the evaluation of each potential site based on a range of criteria. These criteria included components such as potential environmental impacts, operational feasibility, and access. In the first phase of the screening, eleven sites were identified as potential station locations. These sites were in the vicinity of the station locations identified in the Gainesville-Haymarket Implementation Plan: Haymarket, Gainesville, and Sudley Manor (now Sudley/Innovation). The second phase of the screening evaluated each site relative to a wide range of evaluation criteria to identify those station and park and ride sites that appear to be the most feasible while also minimizing negative impacts. 4.1 Station Site Identification In 2005, the Gainesville-Haymarket Extension Implementation Plan identified three future potential station locations for the project based on the ridership demand and regional roadway access capabilities. These potential station locations are: ¾ ¾ ¾ \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 29 Sudley Manor (Sudley/Innovation)Area: Access from Sudley Manor Drive Gainesville Area: Access from US 29 Haymarket Area: Access from US 15 Final Report (Feasibility Study) The Implementation Plan identified the need for an assessment of potential station sites located within these areas. Figure 4-1 contains a summary map showing the study area and general location of each of the potential sites identified through this assessment. There is interest among developers within Prince William County to develop potential station sites in conjunction with VRE using Transit Oriented Development (TOD) principles. This has been noted accordingly in the following site descriptions. Ridership forecasts performed for the Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis (Alternatives Analysis Report, Appendix E) estimated the number of daily inbound boardings for each of the three potential station locations. The maximum daily inbound boardings were 883 for the Haymarket area; 321 for the Gainesville area; and 606 for the Sudley/Innovation area. The maximum buildout was assumed for the preliminary development of station plans and assumed provision of surface parking lots. These are conceptual estimates that need to be further refined in the next phase of the project. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc h Haymarket Site 1: This site is located on the south side of the NS B Line, adjacent to US 15 and just west of the Town of Haymarket. Entrances to this potential site would be located about 1,500 feet south of Virginia Route 55 (VA-55) and about one-quarter of a mile south of Interstate 66 (I-66). This potential station site is also located about five miles north of the intersection of US 15 and US 29. Access to this site would be via US 15, with vehicles accessing the site from the north via I-66 and US 15 and the south via US 29 and US 15. This site is adjacent to the Town of Haymarket, and there is fairly dense residential and commercial development along US 15 from north of I-66 to US 29. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 1,026. The conceptual plan for this site is shown in Figure 4-2. h Haymarket Site 2: This site is located on the north side of the NS B Line, adjacent to VA-55 and just west of the Town of Haymarket and US 15. This site is directly across the NS B Line from Haymarket Site 1. Entrances to the site would be located off of VA-55, about one-quarter of a mile west of US 15. The surrounding land use characteristics are the same as those for Haymarket Site 1. The site is the location of a proposed mixed-use development called Midwood Center. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 942. The conceptual plan for this site is shown in Figure 4-3. h Gainesville Site 1: This site is located on the south side of the study alignment, adjacent to University Boulevard. University Boulevard runs between US 29, which is located north of I-66 and Wellington Road. Access to the station would be via University Boulevard. This access point is located approximately one-quarter of a mile south of US 29 and approximately one-quarter of a mile north of Wellington Road. The 30 Final Report (Feasibility Study) immediate area around the station site is lightly developed, but commercial and retail development exists further west along Wellington Road. This commercial development includes the Virginia Gateway Business Park and the Virginia Gateway Shopping Center. This site is part of a proposed mixed-use development called Prince William Station. It should be noted that the park and ride plans for this site consist of a surface parking lot. If the mixed use development moves forward, this surface parking may be replaced with structured parking in conjunction with the development. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 900. The conceptual plan for the site is shown in Figure 4-4. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc h Dominion Station Site: This site is located north of the NS B Line, east of University Boulevard and south of I-66. Access to the site would be via an extension of Randolph Ridge Lane, which connects to Balls Ford Road. The site is approximately three-quarters of a mile west of Balls Ford Road. This site is located between Gainesville Site 1 and 2, which are south of the NS B Line. The immediate area around the site is currently lightly developed. This site was part of a proposed mixed-use development called Dominion Station. The Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Dominion Station was denied by Prince William County, but the land use for the site is still mixedused development. As with Gainesville Sites 1 and 2, the park and ride plan for this site is a surface lot that may be replaced with structured parking if a mixed-use development on the site moves forward. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 572. The conceptual plan for this site is shown in Figure 4-5. h Gainesville Site 2: This site is also located on the south side of the NS B Line, approximately 750 feet east of Gainesville Site 1. As with Gainesville Site 1, access to the site would be from University Boulevard. This site is also located within the proposed Prince William Station mixed-use development. As with Gainesville Site 1, the planned park and ride facility is a surface lot that may be replaced with structured parking if the mixeduse development moves forward. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 919. The conceptual plan for the site is shown in Figure 4-6. h Florida Rock Site: This site is located on a former quarry that is located just northeast of where Prince William Parkway crosses the NS B Line. Access to the site would be via Prince William Parkway, which would provide direct access into the station. A traffic and signal warrant analysis would be required to ensure that this direct access is acceptable to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). An alternative access would be via Balls Ford Road, which would provide access into the site from the north. This access point is off of Balls Ford Road, about one-quarter mile from Prince William Parkway (located to the west), and approximately one and three-quarters of a mile from Sudley Road (located to the east). The 31 Final Report (Feasibility Study) maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 1,032. The conceptual plan for this site is shown in Figure 4-7. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc h Sudley/Innovation Site 1: This site is located on the south side of the NS B Line, off of Bethlehem Road and directly northwest of Sudley Manor Drive. Bethlehem Road intersects Sudley Manor Drive about one-fifth of a mile northeast of Prince William Parkway (State Route 234, dedicated as the Ronald Wilson Reagan Memorial Highway). Access to this site would be from Bethlehem Road. The area around this station site is lightly developed to the southwest of the NS B Line, but is fairly densely developed to the northeast of the alignment, off of Sudley Manor Drive. This development includes commercial, retail, and residential development. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 882 spaces. The conceptual plan for this site is shown in Figure 4-8. h Sudley /Innovation Site 2: This site is located off of Sudley Manor Drive, with access to the site from Sudley Manor Drive and Chatsworth Drive. The site would encircle an existing commercial area. This site is currently occupied by a long-term storage facility and other commercial uses. There is also a gas pipeline that runs through this site. This pipeline right-of-way would split the site and would not have parking on it. The conceptual design does include a connecting road between the two halves of the site over this right-of-way. This site is located directly across the NS B Line from Sudley/Innovation Site 1. As with the Sudley/Innovation Site 1, the immediate station area is lightly developed to the southwest of the study alignment, but more densely developed to the northeast. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 396 spaces. This is fewer spaces than the forecasted daily inbound boardings in the Sudley/Innovation station area. The conceptual plan for this site is shown in Figure 4-9. h Williams Site: This site is located on the south side of the NS B Line, to the east of Sudley Manor Drive. The entire Williams Site is located across Sudley Manor Drive from Sudley/Innovation Site 1, but the actual proposed station and park and ride site is located in the unoccupied northeast corner of the overall Williams Site (the area to the west of this portion of the overall site is an existing manufacturing operation). Access to this site would be off of Wellington Road. The area surrounding the site is lightly developed, but it is more densely developed to the northeast of the NS B Line. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 684. The conceptual plan for this site is shown in Figure 4-10. h Vulcan Quarry Site: This site is located on the north side of the NS B Line, to the east of Sudley Manor Drive. Access would be directly from Sudley Manor Drive, though an alternative access would be from Ashton Avenue. The site is currently occupied by a rock quarry. The immediate area is 32 Final Report (Feasibility Study) lightly developed, but denser development exists to the north of the Vulcan Quarry Site. This site is heavily disturbed based on the quarry operations and would involve significant capital costs to convert it to a station and park and ride lot. Preliminary engineering analyses indicate that the site is not feasible as a station and park and ride lot due to the expense associated with mitigating the site issues from the quarry operations. Based on this analysis, no conceptual site plan was developed. h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 33 Wellington Road Site: This site is located to the south of the NS B Line, just northeast of the intersection of Wellington Road and Freedom Center Boulevard. Access to the site would be via Wellington Road. The site is located approximately one mile from the intersection of Wellington Road and Prince William Parkway and approximately one-quarter mile from the intersection of Wellington Road and Godwin Drive. The area surrounding this site is lightly developed. This site has limited frontage on the NS B Line due to an industrial siding. Construction of a station on this site may require intrusion on adjacent properties. The maximum number of potential parking spaces at this site is 806. The conceptual plan for this site is shown in Figure 4-11. Final Report (Feasibility Study) PZ AG E RD RD IL LE TRE V GAINSFORD CT CH L N B R AN CT ST RY RD RR Y CH E QU ST OW BA RT R N BR E D CK ET NT ST T LN D TA DR D SH ALLWO OD PI EY DR PL HO O OV ER ST IR E DR CL BE RK R DR A R FOS TE RD KE SV ILL E NO DEA N GOD WIN DR CENT REVIL L E RD MATH IS AVE AR R DY S PEAB O CT PORT NE R AVE LIBERTY ST IDE R BUR N S T T ER N BU T T RW BAN NE RD ON GT LIN EL W EN TOW N LN RD C EN Y ST ER LE VE LN N N B UC K N YD N KI MC MA I BY R LIVINGSTON RD MAL LOW DR OOD UT S R DR Y M ANO SUD LE Y DS W EL SH RD RD BALLS FO ST Legend OG ST GG HI LL RD RD OL H SC VE NA TO N 28 N CH L OO BR A SO NG V U TE E AV R FE R N F JE RD LI NC RL DO TU ST ST ST IAM A CT AS I LL E W GL DL E U O C O DO IN W PR AS P ST PINEY B I MA ST T ES VE TA R ST N OL ST W AN ER NT 1 ! Figure 4-1: Potential Station Locations Potential Station Locations and Park & Ride Sites EY R VRE Haymarket Extension D Potential Park and Ride Sites IAM PY T AV E D 500ft Buffer Waterbody GRA N NO VINT HILL RD V K ES ER IL L DR ILL VI NT HIL L R D S AS EW 1 ! M AN AS Roads 0 2,000 4,000 Feet E T ST GR CE AV W ST T ES E AV H RC T YS VI E IR N ST W U CH ES DE BE ZE I MA LE TT BA VE TA E LE LL WA VE EA BY ST GS T FA T AN CENTE R ST LE E LL R D IR V IN GR BNEL AVE AVE PARK COCK R AV E S MO CENTE MAPLE ST S ST ST L RD CT T SO N NL RO EG UR T E AV WE DY L EW A Z IMBR O A ALMO ND ST T RN ET C BO N STO BE A URE GA RD A BE D AR DR Y RD TAYLO RS ST VE DS GA U ST A PE UA ST E AV RT NELSO N L N NE L PA R K NN ROBIN LY G PA N BL 66 INC · CI THO N DR L SU D § ¨ ¦ PR LEE ATE TR TO NG GLADSTONE ST MERIT CT PY RD RD HWY LE E HA Z CT I AM KS OR WE L LI N VALLEY IN 15 BOND WI LL FRE EDO M CENTER CE HAYD EN RD LEXINGTO VL DE £ ¤ HY LEE H WY E HY Y LE H WY 29 I SH WA TRE ET SUD LE Williams Site EF FI V WY £ ¤ CT PLA CON FED ER T VE NA T TS AR 234 H LEE HY LE E CT D Sudley Manor Site 1 V U PR IN LEE OD WINTERWO AN Wellington Road Site EN A RD 2 ! Y ST LD G SH AL L HW GA RL LON GS Y RD EW O OD Vulcan Quarry Site LN R IFIE · Sudley Manor Site 2 W LE PY FORD DR MER A N CH L N H DR RI X HE M RD I LL I AM ORT BETHLE EW ATSW OS T CH W ELLIN G JOHN MAR T CT NC ES V I LL A S HE O AG RR TA Y DR ASK DAM ST BUR W O OD CT SWEE TB RIAR OS E VE R TE D Y GA CT FIN R UF ASH TON A A MB R R I SUD LE RD S UN N RO SD R LL IAM PK WY PRINC E WI PR I NC LE Y QU S UD RD EWEL L ST SUDLEY DR 2 ! DR ST N EARLY HU RO AR 29 CR CT TE NO RD R ED AN DO ON SD PINEY LI HA LL ES SE G ET DE TON RD ARTO ST AN C OO D L IN TO N TW KIN OU R R D D E L DR E LE £ ¤ OL S RD LI N HY DIGGE RNE HY WEL LIN G NEW M CT R OS TE CO AY G S R AW E LE HY EW A Y CE NTE R DR Y ROLLING RD CT TO N CLA RK PL W ON EL S E LE B RA NCH DR WEEMS RD S MA V GR O IB Y TO N D MERCURY AV KS JAM WY NH E LE HW RR D HW LING DR IS O HE E LE WEL NE AD LL E R Y HY T GA C R RD E LE HY RD E S C O VE HY HW Gainesville Site 1 R GILLIS WAY RO PL HOAC M AN A WY AY MC S EY M E LE E LE HY ALL IC E PL D ES M ILL TA GE V BLE IGHT DR DR AUL TP S AI N RI TW CAN Y GR A SH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE ELL OVE ST LP S O N HW Y AD I ES M JAM Y HW S ON ADI ES M JAM HY ON DIS LL H Y Gainesville Site 2 E LE E LE ES MA HA HW H ON NT AL R FD WH A RR JAM C OT E BL W S SING D R PO N D E LE O ES T LIM TR AP E BL L A RS L R A SS GG T HCO ITY B TH AT E RS DR NM PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY Dominion Station Site IV UN UNT JOH GA PR Florida Rock Site RD EH LFISH WAY L HI L CRO HE E LE RD E WILL IA M PY AG HU N RNI TU ET HE R I T R ED H OUS E WY CL SO M ER S W EY VE T FN L DR H B CAR CT YM HA KE AR RD NEPTU N E DR A OLD CAROLIN VENUS CT 15 LN L NP K EY CL U LN G £ ¤ · EA E N D DR P RI NC 66 § ¦ ¨ GAP WAY J OC A L N U T HI L O AV Haymarket Site 2 ILLS D R ED TR S ST N ST PIN RD WAS HING TO EG L HWY FORBES PL R N LP AVALON ISLE WAY CHARLE JOH N MA RSH ALL BE A R T HU R H CATH AR NE W R L W IT TON C L PL GHAM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G ROV E LN LN CART ERWO OD DR T CL JOR D AN AF CUSHING RS RD Haymarket Site 1 L GE PA HEATHC OTE BL ABB E CH 66 § ¦ ¨ D AN WAY SKIP TON AY TIO E CT AN DAN EH U AM W I HC OT R E DR E BL SH E R IN GH SH R EM O HEAT NN SLAT PE VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket 4.2 Evaluation Criteria Evaluation criteria were developed to assess the advantages and disadvantages of potential station locations. The evaluation criteria include station access, transit operations, land use compatibility, and project costs. Each station site was rated numerically from -2 to +2, with -2 being the most unfavorable and +2 being the most favorable based on each criterion. All ratings were totaled, and the strengths and weaknesses associated with each site were identified. A detailed explanation of the evaluation criteria and the methodology used for the scoring is included in Appendix D1. A summary of the evaluation criteria and ratings is shown in Table 4-1. The Gainesville-Haymarket corridor was assessed at the onset of the Feasibility Study to ensure that all potential station sites were identified and evaluated. This initial set of potential station sites was evaluated based on the established criteria. The final scores were used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each site. The evaluation criteria include access and mobility, traffic congestion impacts, environmental considerations, land use and smart growth issues, acquisition and development issues, and operations and implementation issues. Each of these is summarized below and described in greater detail in Appendix D1. Access and Mobility This criterion assesses the ease of access to each site for potential riders. The more accessible the site is, the more likely it will attract riders. Key points in evaluating each site for this criterion include the quality of the roadway(s) providing direct access into the site; as well as how effectively the direct-access roadway(s) connects to the regional roadway network (each site would likely attract riders from beyond the immediate station area). This criterion also considers the ease of implementing future pedestrian and transit connections to the site and the ease and safety of internal circulation on the site. The performance of each site relative to this evaluation criterion is summarized in Table 4-1. Traffic and Congestion Impacts This criterion considers potential impacts to the external roadway network associated with vehicles entering and exiting the station site. It focuses on potential impacts to traffic flow on access roadways, adjacent intersections, and upstream and downstream intersections, especially intersections with major roadways. As part of this evaluation, the need for additional signals was also considered. The performance of each site relative to this evaluation criterion is summarized in Table 4-1. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 45 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Environmental Considerations This criterion considers the potential impacts to a wide range of environmental resources. These resources include wildlife habitat, historic resources, prime farmland, and water resources, such as floodplains and wetlands. It also examines environmental justice implications by identifying concentrations of minority and low-income populations in the vicinity of the site. This criterion also considers the potential impacts for hazardous materials based on previous land uses. Existing data sources were used to conduct the evaluation; no field investigations were conducted to assess specific site conditions. Environmental resources were evaluated largely based on readily available data, including information from National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). As the project advances, these resources would be examined in greater detail and field visits would be conducted to verify the evaluation as needed. The performance of each site relative to this evaluation criterion is summarized in Table 4-1. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues This criterion considers how well each station site corresponds with local longrange plans for economic development and smart growth, as well as existing and future zoning plans. It also considers the site’s potential for smart growth and transit oriented development (TOD), as well as the site’s potential for re-use. This criterion is especially relevant due to the significant number of proposed development plans along the NS B Line. The potential station sites were evaluated against this criterion based on their current zoning and land use designations. Future land use within the corridor may be modified in the future by Prince William County through its Comprehensive Plan update process. The performance of each site relative to this evaluation criterion is summarized in Table 4-1. Acquisition and Development Issues This criterion focuses on the cost of constructing a station and associated parking on each site. Specific circumstances, such as difficult topography, special access requirements, stormwater retention issues, or the cost of displacing an existing use were considered when evaluating this site relative to this criterion. The performance of each site relative to this evaluation criterion is summarized in Table 4-1. Operations and Implementation Issues This criterion focuses on the overall ease of implementation and considers factors such as unique site considerations (e.g. site shape and frontage on the mainline), environmental considerations that could delay implementation, impacts to freight operations, and potential impacts to adjacent properties that could also delay implementation. This criterion also considered whether the station site \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 46 Final Report (Feasibility Study) was on a tangent or curve. Since none of the sites contained a curve that could not be mitigated (based on the conceptual engineering completed for this study), this factor was not used to distinguish between site alternatives. The performance of each site relative to this evaluation criterion is summarized in Table 4-1. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 47 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Table 4‐1: VRE SITE SCORING MATRIX for EXTENSION OF SERVICE FEASIBILITY STUDY 4.2.1 ACCESS and MOBILITY Access & Proximity to Main Travel Routes Site 9 Site 10 Site 11 Wellington Road Site 8 Vulcan Quarry Site 7 Williams Site 6 Sudely 2 Gainesville 1 Site 5 Sudely 1 Haymarket 2 Site 4 Florida Rock Site 3 Gainesville 2 Site 2 Dominion Station Site 1 Haymarket 1 Site Criteria (numbers match the chapter headings) Importance in Category INSTRUCTIONS: 1) place your score in the yellow boxes below for each site; 2) Score 5 for "best result" and 1 for "worst result". See "notes" for explanation. Put your comments in last column. 100% 4.8 4.8 4.4 3.1 4.1 4.0 4.0 3.6 3.4 3.6 60% 5.0 5.0 5.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 4.0 Notes regarding the criteria. Use as a guideline with 5 being highest score (for the best result, i.e. for no enviro concerns, etc.). Score 1 for lowest score (for worst result, i.e., for many enviro concerns, etc.). 3.2 Easy access to main travel routes = 5, farthest from or 3.0 poor site access = 1 Sidewalks exist or can be easily connected = 5, poor 3.0 connectivity or steep slopes = 1 Site allows safe and easy circulation = 5; circulation 4.0 and safety concerns = 1 ADA Accessible & Sidewalk Linkages 20% 4.0 4.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 3.0 4.0 3.0 1.0 Easy and safe internal circulation? 20% 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 2.0 5.0 5.0 100% 1.8 2.8 3.3 4.3 3.3 1.8 3.5 2.8 2.5 1.8 75% 2.0 2.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 25% 1.0 5.0 1.0 5.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 5.0 1.0 1.0 2.5 3.0 No impacts = 5; Major impacts =1 No signals required = 5; new signals = 1 1.0 4.2.2 TRAFFIC and CONGESTION Traffic Impact (qualitative) Does access require new traffic signal controls? 4.2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL and CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS 100% 3.2 4.0 3.6 3.7 3.8 4.1 4.0 4.2 4.3 3.9 4.2 RPAs and/or Wetlands on or adjacent to site? 14% 1.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 5.0 Floodplains? 14% 1.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Hazardous Materials identified on site? 14% 3.0 5.0 3.0 4.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 5.0 No Floodplains = 5 5.0 No Hazardous Materials present = 5 Site provides terrestrial or aquatic habitat? 14% 5.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 Historic Resources? Soils (Prime Farmland/Statewide importance) on undeveloped land? 14% 5.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 4.0 1.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 10% 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Community facilities/parks adjacent to site? Concentrations of Minority/Low-Income Populations? 4.2.4 LAND USE and SMART GROWTH ISSUES 10% 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 No Wetlands = 5 4.0 No habitat = 5 5.0 No archeological/cultural issues = 5 No Prime of Statewide Important Farmlands or 3.0 developed land = 5 No adjacent community facilities/parks = 5 1.0 No concentrations of minority/low-income = 5 4.0 10% 5.0 5.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 3.0 100% 2.8 3.1 2.4 2.4 2.1 2.4 3.5 3.8 3.8 1.7 3.1 Compatible with zoning & adjacent land uses? 35% 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 2.0 3.0 Alternative trasnportation access? 30% 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 Mass Transit Node potential? 35% 3.0 4.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 1.0 5.0 100% 4.8 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.8 5.0 2.7 5.0 3.4 2.9 30% 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 2.0 5.0 5.0 Cost & schedule in line with market = 5; higher cost or 2.0 delays in acquisition 1 Low capital costs = 5; moderate = 3; High = 1 Unique Capital Costs 20% 4.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 1.0 5.0 Property Displacement 30% 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 1.0 5.0 5.0 1.0 Topography Issues 20% 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 1.0 5.0 Suitable soils & topography = 5 4.2.6 OPERATIONS and IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES 100% 4.3 4.8 4.8 4.3 4.8 3.5 4.0 3.0 4.0 3.5 4.8 Unique Site Considerations? 25% 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 5.0 Environmental Considerations 25% 2.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 4.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 4.0 3.0 If no impacts = 5; If may require trackage adjustment or 4.0 other impacts to RR = 1 If on tangent and good LOS for RR = 5; if on a curve Impact to Freight Operations 25% 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 Potential Impacts to Adjacent Properties 25% 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 yes = 5; no = 1 good = 5; poor = 1 MTN likely = 5; MTN unlikely = 1 0% 0% 4.2.5 ACQUISITION & DEVELOPMENT ISSUES Land acquisition is acceptable: cost and schedule No = 5; Yes =1 yes = 5; no = 1 RAW SCORE 21.6 24.4 23.4 22.7 22.9 20.6 23.9 20.0 23.0 17.8 5.0 and poor LOS = 1 yes = 5; no = 1 5.0 20.6 Site Specific comments about scoring. Insert your comments about the score used for a site. 4.2.1 Site Evaluations This section describes the scoring results and rationale for each site according to the evaluation criteria. 4.2.1.1 Haymarket Site 1 Access and Mobility Haymarket Site 1 received the highest score (tied with Haymarket Site 2 and Gainesville Site 1) for this criterion because there is well-defined local access to the site from US 15, as well as connections to the regional highway network. These connections include access to I-66, located about one-half of a mile to the north, which provides access for potential riders coming from the west, and access to US 29, about five miles to the south, which provides access for riders coming from the southwest, including Culpeper and Fauquier County. This site also has direct access to US 15, which can provide access to development to the north of the alignment. Haymarket Site 1, as well as all of the other sites, currently lacks defined pedestrian access, but connections to the Town of Haymarket could be made easily and effectively if this site were developed as a station. Therefore this site received a high score relative to future pedestrian connections. Traffic Congestion This site received a low overall score relative to this evaluation criterion based on relatively poor scores on both sub-categories. The station will route additional cars onto US 15, which has high current traffic volumes and which was identified as congested in the data collection phase of the study. These vehicles will add to congestion on US 15, especially during the busiest periods of the day. Also, because of the heavy traffic volumes on US 15, a new traffic signal will likely be required. (A full-scale traffic impact analysis and warrant analysis were not completed at this step in the planning process. The traffic impact assessments are based on roadway capacity and traffic volumes collected from VDOT). Environmental Considerations Haymarket Site 1 has the potential to impact water resources, including the North Fork Stream, a designated Resource Protection Area (RPA), floodplains and wetlands. Local ordinances prevent new development, including parking lots, within a designated RPA. Soils at the site are mostly designated prime and unique or soils of statewide importance. Because this area is undeveloped and is in a relatively natural state, with the exception of the NS B Line, it likely provides marginal habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial species. Based on the environmental information presented, Haymarket Site 1 scored the lowest (3.2 out of 5.0). Table 4-2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 49 Final Report (Feasibility Study) and Table 4-1 shows individual scoring for each site. Figures 4-12 through 4-19 show environmental resources identified within the study area. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues The site received a high score for compatibility with existing zoning and land use. It is within Prince William County’s Light Industrial (M-2) zoning district, in which parking lots as a primary use appear permissible, but may require a special use permit. Adjacent land uses appear to be industrial or vacant forested property. As a result, it is unlikely that a park and ride lot would create light or noise problems for neighbors. Access to the park and ride lot would be directly off a major roadway (US 15) and approximately 0.6 miles from the I-66 access ramps. Haymarket Site 1 received a low score for alternative transportation access. Sidewalks and bike lanes do not appear to exist on nearby roadways. Residential development exists within walking distance of the Haymarket Site 1, but there are no sidewalks to provide safe pedestrian access. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. This site received a medium score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Prince William County Comprehensive Plan, future land use for the site is Community Employment Center (CEC), a suburban area designation intended for low- to mid-rise (3 to 5 story) office, research and development (R&D), lodging, and mixed-use development. Up to 25 percent of a CEC development may be retail or residential (6to 12 units per acre) and should be integrated into mixed-use structures. The Comprehensive Plan’s Illustrative Guidelines for Office Development promote site layout and building designs that are “human-scaled” and create street and sidewalk networks with adjacent residential and commercial development. The CEC concept meets the coordinated planning, mixed‐use, and pedestrian connectivity goals of a MTN, but does not promote the same intensity of development needed in an MTN. Haymarket Site 1 borders Prince William County’s Rural Crescent and semi‐rural residential uses. Acquisitions and Development Issues This site received a score of (5) five for three subcategories (land acquisition, property displacement, and topography issues) because no issues related to these sub-categories were anticipated. The site received a score of four on unique capital costs, because this site will require pedestrian bridges to cross the wetlands and stream between the park and ride lot and station at this site. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 50 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Operations and Implementation Issues Haymarket Site 1 performed well relative to all of the sub-categories in this evaluation criterion, except environmental considerations. The site received a (2) two on this score. The stream and wetlands that run adjacent to the study alignment would have to be bridged to connect the parking lot to the station. At the very least, these site features would make implementation more difficult and even more seriously, could be a significant impediment to implementation. 4.2.1.2 Haymarket Site 2 Access and Mobility Haymarket Site 2 also received the highest score in this criterion for the same reasons as Haymarket Site 1, specifically its connections to the regional roadway network including connections to US 29 and I-66, as well as access to developments along US 15. Pedestrian connections to the Town of Haymarket would be relatively easy to implement if this site were developed as a station. Traffic Congestion This site scored better for this evaluation criterion than Haymarket Site 1 did, because it does not appear that a traffic signal would be required for exits and entrances onto Virginia Route 55 from the site. With the close proximity of the sites to each other, it is estimated that the traffic impacts on the local roadway network would be comparable between the two sites. Environmental Considerations The Haymarket Site 2 is within an area with a higher than average low‐income population. Housing does exist adjacent to the site, which warrants further investigation to determine if impacts to low‐income populations would occur. A small tributary and wetlands were also identified on and adjacent to the site. Additionally, soils at the site are mostly designated prime and unique or soils of statewide importance. Because this area is undeveloped and is in a relatively natural state, it likely provides marginal habitat for terrestrial species. Based on the environmental analysis conducted, the Haymarket Site 2 scored a 4.0 out of a possible 5.0. The highest score given for all of the 11 sites was a 4.4. Overall, this site scored well due to potentially limited impacts to environmental resources. Table 4‐2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site and Table 4‐1 shows individual scoring for each site. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues Haymarket Site 2 received a medium to high score for park and ride compatibility with existing zoning and adjacent land uses. The site is within \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 51 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Prince William County’s Planned Mixed District (PMD) zoning designation, and parking as a primary use is not specifically prohibited. Adjacent land uses are primarily industrial or vacant forested property; however there appear to be five single‐family residences at the northwest corner of the site. It is unlikely the park and ride lot would create light or noise problems for the industrial neighbors; however mitigation measures might be necessary to protect the residences from potential traffic, light, and noise impacts. The park and ride driveway entrance would be approximately 0.6 miles from the I‐66 access ramps. Haymarket Site 2 received a low score for alternative transportation access. Sidewalks and bike lanes do not appear to exist on nearby roadways. Residential development exists within walking distance of the site, but there are no sidewalks to provide safe pedestrian access. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. This site received a medium to high score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Regional Employment Center (REC), a designation intended for intense regional employment in urban areas. The REC calls for a minimum of 75 percent mid‐rise and/or high‐rise office, R&D, lodging, and mixed‐use development. Residential should be at a density of 16‐30 dwelling units per acre, shared/structured parking is encouraged, and drive‐through services are discouraged. The Comprehensive Plan’s Illustrative Guidelines for Office Development, promote site layout and building designs that are “human scaled” and create street and sidewalk networks with adjacent residential and commercial development. The REC designation can support an MTN vision. It is worth noting that, in this case, the REC area is surrounded on three sides by low‐density and semi‐rural residential and agricultural land use specifications. Acquisitions and Development Issues This site received a score of 5 on all of the sub-categories comprising this evaluation criterion because no major issues are anticipated in any of these subcategories. Operations and Implementation Issues Haymarket Site 2 received a score of 5 in all of the sub-categories in this evaluation criterion, except for environmental considerations. The site received a score of 4 in the environmental considerations category because of a small patch of wetlands on the site, which would marginally increase the difficulty of implementation on the site. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 52 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 4.2.1.3 Gainesville Site 1 Access and Mobility Gainesville Site 1 received a slightly lower score for this evaluation criterion than the Haymarket Sites did. As with Haymarket Sites 1 and 2, the high score is the result of direct connections to the regional highway network. Access into the station will be via University Boulevard, which connects directly to US 29. US 29 provides direct access in both directions on I-66. University Boulevard also provides access to Wellington Road, which connects with Linton Hall Road. The reason for the slightly lower score is that pedestrian connections to the current site will be difficult to create. If the proposed mixed use development on the site moves forward, future pedestrian connections to the station would be very strong, but this score is based on an assumed surface lot. Traffic Congestion Access to the Gainesville Site 1 will be directly from University Boulevard. University Boulevard is relatively lightly traveled based on field observations (no VDOT counts were available), so this site received a fairly high score for traffic impacts (meaning estimated impacts will be low) but, to be conservative, a new traffic signal was assumed when completing the scoring. Environmental Considerations The Gainesville Site 1 is within an area where previous historic events have been documented. While no known resources have been identified during the literature research, the potential may exist for archaeological resources to be present on or within the vicinity of the site. Soils at the site are mostly designated as prime and unique or soils of statewide importance, and the site is undeveloped. A tributary and wetlands have been identified at and adjacent to the site. The site likely provides marginal wildlife habitat. Past land use includes the Atlantic Research Corporation, an organization that manufactured rocket motor and generators. The research conducted for this analysis could not conclude whether or not all past contamination violations at the site have been resolved. Based on the environmental analysis conducted, the Gainesville Site 1 scored a 3.6 out of a possible 5.0. Table 4‐2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site and Table 4‐1 shows individual scoring for each site. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues Gainesville Site 1 receives a high score for compatibility with existing zoning/land use. It is located within the Heavy Industrial (M‐1) zoning designation for Prince William County, which allows commercial parking as a primary use. The site appears to abut industrial and vacant properties, so it is unlikely that light, noise, or other environmental nuisance from the park and ride \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 53 Final Report (Feasibility Study) would affect a neighboring population. I‐66 is located immediately to the north of the site; however the access ramp is approximately 1.6 miles from the site, via a newly extended University Blvd. and Lee Hwy. Gainesville Site 1 received a very low score for alternative transportation access. There are very few residential units within walking distance of the site, and there appear to be no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. The site received a low score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Industrial Employment (EI), a designation intended for economic base industries that may require screening and buffering to mitigate dust, particles, and emissions. Residential is not permissible, and stand‐alone offices as primary uses are discouraged. Retail may be present to support the needs of employees at EI facilities. The EI land use designation does not support the mixed‐use or high intensity development goals of a MTN. Acquisitions and Development Issues This site received a 5 on all of the sub-categories comprising this evaluation criterion because no major issues are anticipated. It should be noted that this site is part of a larger proposed mixed use development called Prince William Station that has pending development approvals with Prince William County. A VRE station is part of the proposed plans. Operations and Implementation Issues Gainesville Site 1 received a 5 in all of the sub-categories in this evaluation criterion, expect for environmental considerations. The site received a 4 in the environmental considerations category, because it appears, based on other investigations in the area, that the Virginia Department of Historic Resources would require an archaeological survey of the site before moving forward. If resources are found, this could complicate and delay site implementation. 4.2.1.4 Dominion Station Site Access and Mobility The Dominion Station Site received a median score in comparison to the other sites. This site has advantages and disadvantages in terms of access. The most significant disadvantage is that direct access to the site would be via a long drive on Randolph Ridge Lane, which may not be suited to the level of traffic anticipated from a commuter rail station. The advantage of Randolph Ridge Lane is that it connects to Balls Ford Road, which connects to Prince William Parkway less than one-quarter of a mile from the intersection of Balls Ford Road \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 54 Final Report (Feasibility Study) and Randolph Ridge Lane. Prince William Parkway provides direct access in both directions on I-66 and US 29 via I-66. Balls Ford Road also provides a connection to Wellington Road, which provides access into both Gainesville and Manassas. Future pedestrian connections would be difficult and inconvenient, so this site received a low score on this sub-criterion. Traffic Congestion The score for Dominion Station relative to this evaluation criterion is the highest among the all alternatives (along with one other site), because access to the site would be on a secondary road with currently minimal traffic volumes. This is likely to result in limited traffic impacts. Also, because of the minimal volumes, no additional traffic signals would be required. Environmental Considerations The Dominion Station Site is undeveloped and likely provides marginal habitat for wildlife. Wetlands were identified on the site. Soils at the site are also designated as prime and unique or soils of statewide importance. Based on the environmental analysis conducted, the Dominion Station Site scored a 3.7 out of a possible 5.0 due to potential impacts to wetlands, wildlife habitat, and noted Prime Farmland/Farmland of Statewide Importance soils. Table 4‐2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, and Table 4‐1 shows individual scoring for each site. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues The Dominion Station Site received a high score for compatibility with existing zoning/land use. It is located in Light Industrial (M‐2) zoning in which parking lots as a primary use appear permissible, but may require a special use permit. Adjacent properties appear to be industrial, vacant, or highway (I‐66 to the north). As a result, it is unlikely that a park and ride lot would negatively affect neighboring populations. Access to the park and ride lot would be off Route 234 at its intersection with I‐66, immediately adjacent to the site. Dominion Station Site receives a very low score for alternative transportation access. There are few residential units within walking distance of the site and appear to be no pedestrian or bicycle facilities. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. As with Gainesville Site 1, the site received a low score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Industrial Employment (EI), a designation intended for economic base industries that may require screening and buffering to mitigate dust, particles, and emissions. Residential development is not permissible, and \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 55 Final Report (Feasibility Study) stand‐alone offices as primary uses are discouraged. Retail may be present to support the needs of employees at EI facilities. The EI land use designation does not support the mixed‐use or high intensity development goals of a MTN. Acquisitions and Development Issues This site received a 5 on all of the sub-categories comprising this evaluation criterion because no major issues are anticipated. It should be noted that this site is part of a larger proposed mixed use development called Dominion Station. A Comprehensive Plan amendment request was denied approval by Prince William County for Dominion Station, though the underlying land use in the Comprehensive Plan still supports a mixed use development. A VRE station was part of the proposed plans. Operations and Implementation Issues The Dominion Station Site received a 5 in all of the sub-categories in this evaluation criterion except for environmental considerations. The site received a score of 3 in the environmental considerations category because of three factors that may make implementation more complex. The first factor is that it appears, based on other investigations in the area, that the Virginia Department of Historic Resources will require an archaeological survey of the site before moving forward. If resources are found, this can complicate and delay site implementation. The second factor is that there may be potential environmental justice issues on this site based on the percentages of low income and minority populations in the census block group in which the site resides. The final factor that may impact implementation is the presence of a wetland extending across the western edge of the site. 4.2.1.5 Gainesville Site 2 Access and Mobility Gainesville Site 2 has nearly the same access advantages as Gainesville Site 1, but it received a slightly lower score because it does not have direct access from University Boulevard. Rather, it is located in the center of a large parcel, making access to the site slightly less desirable than access to Gainesville Site 1. Traffic Congestion Access to Gainesville Site 2 would be the same as for Gainesville Site 1, so the score for this evaluation criterion is comparable to Gainesville Site 1. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 56 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Environmental Considerations Gainesville Site 2 is within an area where previous historic events have been documented. While no known resources have been identified during the literature research, the potential may exist for archaeological resources to be present on or within the vicinity of the site. Soils at the site are mostly designated as prime and unique or soils of statewide importance, and the site is undeveloped. A tributary and wetlands have been identified at and adjacent to the site. The site likely provides marginal wildlife habitat. Past land use includes the Atlantic Research Corporation, an organization that manufactured rocket motor and generators. The research conducted for this analysis could not conclude whether or not all past contamination violations at the site have been resolved. Based on the environmental analysis conducted, Gainesville Site 2 scored a 3.8 out of a possible 5.0. Table 4-2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, and Table 4-1 shows individual scoring for each site. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues Gainesville Site 2 received a medium to high score for park and ride compatibility with existing zoning/land use. It is located within the Heavy Industrial (M-1) zoning designation for Prince William County, which allows commercial parking as a primary use. The site appears to abut industrial, vacant, and a few (about ten) single-family residential properties. It is unlikely the park and ride lot would create problems for the industrial neighbors; however, mitigation measures might be necessary to protect the residences from potential traffic, light, and noise impacts. I-66 is located immediately to the north of the site; however the access ramp is approximately two miles from the site, via a long access driveway, a newly extended University Blvd., and Lee Highway. Gainesville Site 2 receives a very low score for alternative transportation access. There are very few residential units within walking distance of the site and there appear to be no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. As with Gainesville Site 1 and Dominion Station, Gainesville Site 2 received a low score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Industrial Employment (EI), a designation intended for economic base industries that may require screening and buffering to mitigate dust, particles, and emissions. Residential development is not permissible, and stand-alone offices as primary uses are discouraged. Retail may be present to support the needs of employees at EI facilities. The EI land use designation does not support the mixed-use or high intensity development goals of a MTN. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 57 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Acquisitions and Development Issues This site also received a score of 5 on all of the sub-categories comprising this evaluation criterion. As with Gainesville Site 1, this site is part of the proposed Prince William Station development. Operations and Implementation Issues Gainesville Site 2 received a 5 in all of the sub-categories in this evaluation criterion except for environmental considerations. The site received a score of 4 in the environmental considerations category. It appears, based on other investigations in the area, that the Virginia Department of Historic Resources would require an archaeological survey of the site before moving forward. If resources are found, this can complicate and delay site implementation. 4.2.1.6 Florida Rock Site Access and Mobility This site received a slightly lower scores than the Haymarket and Gainesville Sites because its elongated shape makes internal circulation and access to the rail platform less than optimum. If direct access from Prince William Parkway is feasible, the Site would have excellent access to the regional roadway network, which would provide direct access to I-66 in both directions and access to U.S. 29 via I-66. Traffic Congestion This site received the lowest score assigned (also received by two other sites), because it would have traffic impacts on a heavily traveled roadway, and it would require a new traffic signal. Specifically, the site would be directly accessed from Prince William County Parkway, which would lead to impacts on that roadway. Also, because of the heavy volumes on Prince William Parkway, a traffic signal would likely be needed. Environmental Considerations Archaeological resources are known to occur on the Florida Rock Site. In addition, a stream was noted at the site and wetlands were noted to be adjacent to the site. Based on the environmental analysis conducted, the Florida Rock Site scored a 4.1 out of a possible 5.0. Table 4-2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, and Table 4-1 shows individual scoring for each site. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 58 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Land Use and Smart Growth Issues The Florida Rock Site scoring and analysis is virtually the same as Gainesville Site 1: The Florida Rock Site received a high score for park and ride compatibility with existing zoning/land use. It is located within the Heavy Industrial (M‐1) zoning designation for Prince William County, which allows commercial parking as a primary use. The site appears to abut industrial and vacant properties, so it is unlikely that light, noise, or other environmental nuisance from the park and ride would effect a neighboring population. The I‐66 interchange is approximately 1.6 miles from the site park and ride location and is accessible via Balls Ford Road to Route 234. Florida Rock Site received a very low score for alternative transportation access. There are no residential units within walking distance of the site, and there appear to be no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. The site received a low score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Industrial Employment (EI), a designation intended for economic base industries that may require screening and buffering to mitigate dust, particles, and emissions. Residential development is not permissible, and stand‐alone offices as primary uses are discouraged. Retail may be present to support the needs of employees at EI facilities. The EI land use designation does not support the mixed‐use or high intensity development goals of a MTN. Acquisitions and Development Issues This site received a score of 5 relative to three of the sub-categories comprising this evaluation criterion, Topography Issues, Property Displacement, and Land Acquisition. It received a 4 on the Unique Capital Costs sub-category because of potential capital costs associated with potentially having to modify the siding into the property (since the siding also serves adjacent properties, no modifications that would impact access could occur). Operations and Implementation Issues The Florida Rock Site received a score of 5 in one sub-category in this evaluation criterion, for potential impacts to adjacent properties, but received lower scores in each of the other sub-categories. Under unique site considerations, the site received a score of 3, because its limited frontage on the mainline would require that the station platforms be located on an adjacent property east of the siding that serves the Florida Rock Site. The Site received a score of 4 on the \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 59 Final Report (Feasibility Study) environmental considerations sub-category, because there are two archaeological sites identified and there are also potential environmental justice considerations, which can complicate implementation. The site also received a score of 4 on impacts to freight operations, because of the potential impacts to the siding into the site. 4.2.1.7 Sudley/Innovation Site 1 Access and Mobility Sudley/Innovation Site 1 scored slightly lower than the Haymarket and Gainesville Sites because it does not have the same quality of access to the regional roadway network. It is further away from I-66 and US 29 than the other sites, but it still received a relatively high score because it has direct access to Sudley Manor Drive and provides strong connections to local residential and commercial development, as well as to Sudley Road and Wellington Road, two key roadways within the study area roadway network. With its close proximity to Wellington Road, strong pedestrian connections can be made easily if future development occurs in the area. Traffic Congestion The score for Sudley/Innovation Site 1 relative to this evaluation criterion was approximately in the middle of the scores for the full set of alternatives. The site was given a score of 3 in the traffic impacts sub-category. There would be impacts from station traffic on Sudley Manor Drive, which was assessed as congested in the data collection phase of the study, but these impacts are mitigated somewhat because exits and entrances from the station would be onto Bethlehem Road, not directly onto Sudley Manor Drive. Also, because exits and entrances would be onto lightly traveled Bethlehem Road, a requirement for a traffic signal is not anticipated. Environmental Considerations Sudley/Innovation Site 1 is located within a census block group with higher than average low-income populations. Housing does exist adjacent to the site, which warrants further investigation to determine if impacts to low-income populations would occur. Soils at the site are mostly designated as prime and unique or soils of statewide importance, and the site is undeveloped. A tributary and wetlands have been identified at and adjacent to the site. The site likely provides marginal wildlife habitat. Based on the environmental analysis conducted, Sudley/Innovation Site 1 scored a 4.0 out of a possible 5.0. Overall, this site scored well. Table 4-2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, and Table 4-1 shows individual scoring for each site. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 60 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Land Use and Smart Growth Issues Sudley/Innovation Site 1 received a high score for park and ride compatibility with existing zoning/land use. It is located within the Heavy Industrial (M‐1) zoning designation for Prince William County, which allows commercial parking as a primary use. The site appears to abut industrial and vacant properties; therefore, it is unlikely that light, noise, or other environmental nuisance from the park and ride would affect the neighboring population. The park and ride lot would be located 0.4 miles from Route 234, which would then provide access to I‐66. The Sudley/ Innovation Site 1 received a very low score for alternative transportation access. There are no residential units within walking distance of the site, and there appear to be no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. This site received a high score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Regional Employment Center (REC), a designation intended for intense regional employment in urban areas. The REC calls for a minimum of 75 percent mid‐rise and/or high‐rise office, R&D, lodging, and mixed‐use development. Residential should be at a density of 16‐30 dwelling units per acre, shared/structured parking is encouraged, and drive‐through services are discouraged. The Comprehensive Plan’s Illustrative Guidelines for Office Development, promote site layout and building designs that are “human scaled” and create street and sidewalk networks with adjacent residential and commercial development. The REC designation can support an MTN vision. Sudley/Innovation 1 site is bordered on three sides by other areas with high‐density urban land use designations. Acquisitions and Development Issues No major issues are anticipated with this site relative to this evaluation criterion, so it received a score of 5 on all of the sub-categories. Operations and Implementation Issues Sudley/Innovation Site 1 received a 5 in all of the sub-categories in this evaluation criterion except for environmental considerations. The site received the poorest rating, a score of 1, in the environmental considerations sub-category, because nearly the entire site is covered by wetlands. The large percentage of the site covered by wetlands would make it very difficult to develop it as a rail station and park and ride site. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 61 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 4.2.1.8 Sudley/Innovation Site 2 Access and Mobility Sudley/Innovation Site 2 has the same access characteristics as Sudley/Innovation Site 1, but it received a lower score due to its irregular shape, which would make internal circulation more difficult than within the other sites. The other sites are typically square or rectangular, which allow for greater ease of internal circulation as well as internal access to the roadway network. This site did receive a high score on the pedestrian connections sub-criterion based on its potential for pedestrian access to Sudley Manor Drive. Traffic Congestion The score for Sudley/Innovation Site 2 relative to this evaluation criterion was lower than the score given to Sudley/Innovation Site 1. While there are similarities, this site received a lower score because the concept design includes entrances and exits onto congested Sudley Manor Drive. Because there is a second entrance and exit onto lightly traveled Chatsworth Drive, it is assumed that no traffic signal will be required on Sudley Manor Drive (a design requirement could be that no left turns would be allowed out of the Sudley Manor Drive exit). Because Chatsworth Drive is lightly traveled, it was also assumed that no traffic signal would be required at that exit. Environmental Considerations Sudley/Innovation Site 2 is located within a census block groups with higher than average minority and low-income populations. Housing does exist adjacent to the site, which warrants further investigations to determine if impacts to minority or low-income populations would occur. Wetlands have also been identified at the site. Based on the environmental analysis conducted, Sudley/Innovation Site 2 scored a 4.2 out of a possible 5.0. Overall, this site scored well. Table 4-2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, and Table 4-1 shows individual scoring for each site. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues As with Sudley/Innovation Site 1, Sudley/Innovation Site 2 receives a high score for park and ride compatibility with existing zoning/land use. It is located within the Heavy Industrial (M‐1) zoning designation for Prince William County, which allows commercial parking as a primary use. The site appears to abut industrial and vacant properties, so it is unlikely that light, noise, or other environmental nuisance would affect a neighboring population. The park and ride lot would be located 0.8 miles from Route 234, which would then provide access to I‐66. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 62 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Sudley/Innovation Site 1 received a medium score for alternative transportation access. There is a large area of high‐density residential development within walking distance (less than ¼ mile) to the northeast of the site. There appear to be pedestrian (i.e. sidewalk) accommodations linking this residential development to the site. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. As with Sudley/Innovation 1 Site, this site received a high score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Regional Employment Center (REC), a designation intended for intense regional employment in urban areas. The REC calls for a minimum of 75 percent mid‐rise and/or high‐rise office, R&D, lodging, and mixed‐use development. Residential should be at a density of 16‐30 dwelling units per acre, shared/structured parking is encouraged, and drive‐through services are discouraged. The Comprehensive Plan’s Illustrative Guidelines for Office Development, promote site layout and building designs that are “human scaled” and create street and sidewalk networks with adjacent residential and commercial development. The REC designation can support an MTN vision. Sudley/Innovation Site 2 is bordered to the south and west by other REC designated areas, and to the east by a high‐density residential designation. Acquisitions and Development Issues This site received a score of 5 on one of the sub-categories comprising this evaluation criterion, Topography Issues, but received lower scores relative to the other sub-categories. Relative to the Land Acquisition sub-category, it received a score of 2 for two reasons: a property under active use would have to be purchased and two different properties would have to be purchased. The site received a score of 4 under the Unique Capital Costs sub-category, because there would be costs associated with removing the existing uses (the additional property cost is covered under the Land Acquisition sub-category). It received a score of 1 under the Property Displacement sub-category, because active uses would have to be moved on this site. Operations and Implementation Issues Sudley/Innovation Site 2 received a score of 5 in two of the sub-categories, impacts to freight operations and potential impacts to adjacent properties, but received a score of 1 in unique considerations and a score of 1 in environmental considerations. The reason for the low unique site considerations score is that the site is significantly occupied by existing uses that would have to be displaced, thus making implementation much more difficult. The site also performed poorly on the environmental considerations because a large portion of the site that is not disturbed is covered by wetlands. As with Sudley/Innovation Site 1, the large percentage of the undisturbed portion of the site covered by wetlands would make implementation difficult. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 63 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 4.2.1.9 Williams Site Access and Mobility The Williams Site received a lower score than the other two Sudley/Innovation Sites because its primary access would be off the secondary road, Wellington Road, and access would not be as ideal as some of the other alternative sites. This site did receive a relatively high score for future pedestrian access because of its close proximity to Wellington Road, which will support strong pedestrian connections if development occurs in the future. Traffic Congestion This site is also in the vicinity of the two Sudley/Innovation Sites. It received a score comparable to Sudley/Innovation Site 1 because it has similar characteristics. As with the Sudley/Innovation Site 1, the direct access via Bethlehem Road would mitigate traffic impacts on Sudley Manor Drive. Also, because Bethlehem Road is lightly traveled, it is anticipated that no traffic signal would be required. Environmental Considerations Archaeological sites have been documented within the vicinity of the Williams Site. Wetlands have also been identified on the site. Based on the environmental information presented above, the Williams Site scored a 4.3 out of a possible 5.0. Overall, this site scored well. Table 4-2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, and Table 4-1 shows individual scoring for each site. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues The Williams Site received a high score for park and ride compatibility with existing zoning/land use. It is primarily located within the Heavy Industrial (M‐ 1) zoning designation for Prince William County, which allows commercial parking as a primary use. The site appears to abut industrial and vacant properties, so it is unlikely that light, noise, or other environmental nuisance from the park and ride would affect the neighboring population. The park and ride lot would be located 0.3 miles from Route 234, which would provide access to I‐66. The Williams Site received a very low score for alternative transportation access. There are no residential units within walking distance of the site, and there appear to be no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. The Williams Site received a very high score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 64 Final Report (Feasibility Study) for this site is Regional Employment Center (REC), a designation intended for intense regional employment in urban areas. The REC calls for a minimum of 75 percent mid‐rise and/or high‐rise office, R&D, lodging, and mixed‐use development. Residential development should be at a density of 16‐30 dwelling units per acre, shared/structured parking is encouraged, and drive‐through services are discouraged. The Comprehensive Plan’s Illustrative Guidelines for Office Development, promote site layout and building designs that are “human scaled” and create street and sidewalk networks with adjacent residential and commercial development. The REC designation can support an MTN vision. The Williams Site is also located within the Innovation Sector Plan, also part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The intent of this Sector is to work in partnership with George Mason University to promote this area as a business destination and economic engine for the County. The detailed Innovation Sector Plan shows the Williams Site as Town Center Office/R&D and Town Center Transit Station. It specifically refers to a possible VRE station and bus transit hub on the site. It recommends a mixed‐use “town center” adjacent to the station and a network of pedestrian/bike trails serving the town center and the entire sector (as an alternative to the automobile). Acquisitions and Development Issues No major issues are anticipated with this site relative to this evaluation criterion, so it received a score of 5 on all of the sub‐categories. Operations and Implementation Issues The Williams Site received a score of 5 in every sub‐category comprising this evaluation criterion except environmental considerations, in which it received a score of 4. The 4 was given because there are two small wetlands on the property. 4.2.1.10 Vulcan Quarry Site Access and Mobility This site received the same overall score that Sudley/Innovation Site 1 received for this evaluation criterion. This is because the site has nearly the same access characteristics as Sudley Manor Site 1, including strong connections via Sudley Manor Drive to local residential and commercial development, as well as Sudley and Wellington Roads. It should be noted that the engineering analysis for this site indicated that the deep excavations at the site for quarrying operations make this site infeasible from an engineering point of view. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 65 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Traffic Congestion This site is in the vicinity of the two Sudley/Innovation Sites, but it received a lower score than them because its only access point would be via Sudley Manor Drive. This single access point would result in greater traffic impacts relative to the sites that also have access points on secondary roads, and it would also require the addition of a traffic signal. Environmental Considerations The Vulcan Quarry Site is located within a census block group with higher than average minority and low‐income populations. Housing does exist adjacent to the site, which warrants further investigation to determine if impacts to minority or low‐income populations would occur. Ponds, streams, and wetlands exist on the site. The Vulcan Quarry Site is also located adjacent to a school that has athletic fields. It is undetermined if the fields are open to the public. The site is also designated by the EPA has handling/having hazardous materials. Based on the environmental information presented above, the Vulcan Quarry Site scored a 3.9 out of a possible 5.0. Table 4‐2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, and Table 4‐1 shows individual scoring for each site. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues The Vulcan Quarry Site received a low to medium score for park and ride compatibility with existing zoning/land use. The Site is primarily zoned Agricultural Zoning (A‐1), which does not allow parking lots as a primary use. The site appears to abut industrial, vacant, park, residential, and school properties. As a result, mitigation may be necessary to avoid potential traffic, light, and noise impacts to the residential, park, and school uses. The site is large, and the mitigation strategy would depend on the specific location of the park and ride lot within the site. The Vulcan Quarry Site received a low to medium score for alternative transportation access. There are several clusters of higher density residential units within walking distance of the site, and there appear to be some pedestrian (i.e. sidewalk) accommodations. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. The site is large, and the pedestrian accommodations would depend on the specific location of the park and ride lot within the site. The Vulcan Quarry Site received a low score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Industrial Employment (EI), a designation intended for economic base industries that may require screening and buffering to mitigate dust, particles, and emissions. Residential development is not permissible, and stand‐ \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 66 Final Report (Feasibility Study) alone offices as primary uses are discouraged. Retail may be present to support the needs of employees at EI facilities. The EI land use designation does not support the mixed‐use or high intensity development goals of a MTN. It is worth noting that the Vulcan Quarry site is adjacent to parcels designated for high‐density residential and mixed‐use commercial development, in addition to an existing school. There appears to be very little developable land on the site, due to severe elevation changes. Acquisitions and Development Issues This site received a score of 5 on two one sub‐categories in this evaluation criterion, Property Displacement and Land Acquisition It received a score of 1 on Unique Capital Costs, because it is anticipated that there would be major site preparation issues associated with the previous use as a quarry. It received a score of 1 on topography issues, again, based on its previous use as a quarry (preliminary engineering analysis indicates that the terrain left by the quarry operations make the site infeasible for development from an engineering perspective). Operations and Implementation Issues The Vulcan Quarry Site received a score of 5 in two of the sub‐categories, impacts to freight operations and potential impacts to adjacent properties, but received a score of 1 in unique site considerations and a score of 3 in environmental considerations. The reason for the low unique site considerations score is related to the site’s previous use as a quarry, which make the engineering feasibility of the site very suspect. The environmental considerations score is related to the fact that the site has four freshwater ponds and a wetland, and it may also have environmental justice issues. Both of these factors can complicate and delay implementation. 4.2.1.11 Wellington Road Site Access and Mobility The Wellington Road Site received a lower score on this evaluation criterion compared to the other sites because its access is generally less optimal than the other sites. Wellington Road provides access to Prince William Parkway, but it is approximately one mile away. This station also has the disadvantage of being the closest to the existing Manassas Station, and it would be competing for ridership. Strong pedestrian connections can be made given the site’s proximity to Wellington Road if development occurs in the surrounding area. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 67 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Traffic Congestion The scoring for this site was in the middle of all alternatives. In terms of potential traffic impacts, Wellington Road is heavily traveled in the vicinity of the station so impacts would be anticipated. These impacts would be somewhat mitigated by the fact that vehicles can be spread over roadway network with vehicles having the option of going west to Prince William Parkway and Sudley Manor Drive or east to Godwin Drive. Because of the heavy volumes along Wellington Road, it is anticipated that a traffic signal at the site would be required. Environmental Considerations The Wellington Road Site is located within a census block groups with higher than average low-income populations. Housing does exist on the site, which warrants further investigations to determine if impacts to low-income populations would occur. Soils at the site are mostly designated as prime and unique or soils of statewide importance, and the site is mostly undeveloped. A tributary and wetlands have been identified at and adjacent to the site. The site likely provides marginal wildlife habitat. The site is also located adjacent to a school that has athletic fields. It is undetermined if the fields are open to the public. Based on the environmental information presented above, the Wellington Road Site scored a 4.2 out of a possible 5.0. Table 4-2 provides a comparative matrix of potential impacts by site, and Table 4-1 shows individual scoring for each site. Land Use and Smart Growth Issues The Wellington Road Site received a medium score for park and ride compatibility with existing zoning/land use. It is located within the Heavy Industrial (M‐1) and the General Business (B‐1) zoning designations for Prince William County. M‐1 zoning allows commercial parking as a primary use and B‐ 1 does not allow parking as a primary use. The site appears to abut industrial, vacant, and residential (about 10 single‐family houses) properties. A school is located across the railroad tracks, immediately to the north of the site. It is unlikely that light, noise, or other environmental nuisance from the park and ride would affect an industrial use, but these factors might need to be mitigated for the neighboring residential population. The park and ride lot would be located 1.3 miles from Route 234, which would provide access to I‐66. The Wellington Road Site received a low score for alternative transportation access. There are very few residential units within walking distance of the site, and there appear to be no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. There is no local bus service in the vicinity of the site. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 68 Final Report (Feasibility Study) As with the Sudley/Innovation Sites 1 and 2, and the Williams Site, the Wellington Road Site received a high score for Mass Transit Node (MTN) development potential. According to the Comprehensive Plan, future land use for this site is Regional Employment Center (REC), a designation intended for intense regional employment in urban areas. The REC calls for a minimum of 75 percent mid‐rise and/or high‐rise office, R&D, lodging, and mixed‐use development. Residential development should be at a density of 16‐30 dwelling units per acre, shared/structured parking is encouraged, and drive‐through services are discouraged. The Comprehensive Plan’s Illustrative Guidelines for Office Development, promote site layout and building designs that are “human scaled” and create street and sidewalk networks with adjacent residential and commercial development. The REC designation can support an MTN vision. As with the Williams Site, the Wellington Road Site is located with the Innovation Sector Plan, providing a more detailed land use analysis within the Comprehensive Plan designation of REC. Acquisitions and Development Issues This site received a score of 5 on Topography issues, but received a lower score on the other sub-criterion. On the Land Acquisition sub-criterion, the site received a score of 2 because there are multiple properties comprising the site, which would make acquisition more difficult and time consuming. It received a score of 3 on the unique capital costs sub-criterion because there will be some removal of existing structures, and it received a score of 1 on property displacements because there would be displacements of a number of residences. Operations and Implementation Issues This site received a score of 5 in three of the four sub-categories that comprise this evaluation criterion. The score of 4 for the environmental considerations sub-category is based on the presence of a small patch of wetlands on the site, which could delay implementation. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 69 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Table 4-2: Summary Matrix of Environmental Considerations1 Site Minority/Low -Income Populations Historic Resources Parks and Community Facilities Prime Soils or Soils of Statewide Importance2 Water Resources3 Hazardous Materials/ Contamination Wildlife Habitats Haymarket Site 1 No No No Yes, site is currently on undeveloped land Yes – North Fork Stream, RPA, Floodplain and Wetlands Unlikely, EPA reports no releases/known contamination for site; 2 sites reported within study buffer Yes Haymarket Site 2 Potentially, site within census block groups with higher than average lowincome populations and housing is adjacent to site No No Yes, site is currently on undeveloped land Yes, intermittent stream, wetlands within study buffer Unlikely, EPA reports no releases/known contamination at the site or within study buffer Yes Gainesville Site 1 No Unlikely, however further research/ coordination is recommended No Yes, site is currently on undeveloped land Yes, stream, wetlands Potentially, additional coordination with DEQ/EPA needed (Atlantic Research Corporation site) Yes Dominion Station Site No No No Yes, site is currently on undeveloped land Yes, wetlands Unlikely, EPA reports no releases/known contamination at the site Yes Gainesville Site 2 No Yes, further research/ coordination is recommended No Yes, site is currently on undeveloped land No Potentially, additional coordination with DEQ/EPA needed (Atlantic Research Corporation site) Yes Florida Rock Site No Yes, further research/ coordination is recommended No No, site is developed Yes Unlikely, EPA reports no releases/known contamination at the site; 3 sites reported within study buffer No \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 70 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Table 4-2: Summary Matrix of Environmental Considerations (cont’d.) Sudley/ Innovation Site 1 Potentially, site within census block groups with higher than average lowincome populations and housing is adjacent to site No No Yes, site is currently on undeveloped land Yes, stream, wetlands Unlikely, EPA reports no releases/known contamination at the site; numerous sites identified within study buffer Yes Sudley/ Innovation Site 2 Potentially, site within census block groups with higher than average minority & low-income populations and housing is adjacent to site No No No, site is developed Yes, wetlands Unlikely, EPA reports no releases/known contamination at the site; numerous sites identified within study buffer No Williams Site No Yes, further research/ coordinati on is recomme nded No No, site is developed Yes, wetlands Potentially, EPA reports this site is listed as having/handling hazardous materials No Vulcan Quarry Site Potentially, site within census block groups with higher than average minority & low-income populations and housing is adjacent to site No Yes, site is located near a school with athletic amenities that may be open to the public (undetermined) No, site has been cleared for mining and is an active mine Yes, fresh water ponds, streams, wetlands Yes, EPA reports this site is listed as having/handling hazardous materials No Wellington Road Site Potentially, site within census block groups with higher than average lowincome populations and housing is on site No Yes, site is located near a school with athletic amenities that may be open to the public (undetermined) Yes, site is mostly undeveloped Yes, stream on site, wetlands Unlikely, EPA reports no releases/known contamination at the site; numerous sites identified within study buffer Yes Environmental resources were evaluated largely based on readily available data, including information from National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). As the project advances, these resources would be examined in greater detail and field visits would be conducted to verify the evaluation as needed. 2Cooridination with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NCRS) is required to determine specific impacts. It should be noted that Prime Farmland is designated independently of current land use, but it cannot be areas of water or urban or built-up land. 3Water Resources includes surface waters, floodplains, wetlands and designated Resource Protection Areas (RPA). RPA areas, as defined by the Chesapeake Bay Act, include the land area within 100 feet of a perennial stream bank or edge of wetlands adjacent to the perennial stream. RPA areas are protected under state law and local ordinances. 1 \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 71 Final Report (Feasibility Study) PZ E AG OL D L IN CH L N E RD CENTREVIL L QU AR CH RY ER RD RY ST MATH IS AVE R CT IN ST ST OW BR R BA RT BY RD PI EY DR RK SH R ALLWO OD LN T HO O E ST CL OV ER IR DR D EA N G E AV BE R DR FOS TE D ILL SV KE PL AN EN TS D CK ET T T LN D CT NO N DR BU R N GODWIN DR ER RD GT ON LIN EL W MA LN TOWN LN RD RD Y LE AG OR NE R IL LE D TU B UC K TRE V PE HI LL RD C EN GAINSFORD CT PINEY B R AN BU T T MAL LO W T ST ER N U O D DR WO ER NN BA RD R DR Y M ANO SUD LE WY DS EL SH LIVINGSTON RD W T N KI MC BR E AV IA LL AS WI DR M PY G RA N 1 Figure 4-12: % of Minority Population VRE Haymarket Extension 3% - 25% Potential Park and Ride Sites 26% - 50% 500ft Buffer 51% - 55% Minority Population Waterbody Roads 0 T AVE ILL OO T LS N CE NO SV KE Potential Station Locations YD H E SO D IN 1 D ER S Legend OL OG SC AV R FE RD 28 HN LN ST TS S F JE TO N TE C O NC IN ES ER NT ST M ST CT IA S ILL EA LA W DL E UG O C O O D IN W PR AS T NG MA W VE TA CE Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 2,000 4,000 Feet VE ST MANASSAS T E AV A ST T AN R ST LS L LI CH T EE TS UR YS ED ST ES CH GR E LE VI E IR B ZE IN W VE TA Y L WA E AV SB T MA ST AN CEN TE R ST E LE E LL R D LE TT BA GR MO ST GS FA ST RO BNEL AVE LN CEN TE MAPLE ST IRV IN T Y AV E AVE PARK BALLS FO RD RD EG T TS OD UR E AV ES AB N A BE D AR R Y RD W PE SO RE ET D TAYLO RS LI BL R LE Y 66 M AN A S VI NT H IL L R D VINT HILL RD CT Wellington Road Site DR SU D Y Y PR H LEE BE A UR EG A RD RD D PA N R D RD WY E AV AL L G THO N SR WE N VALLEY IN VL H LEE ET NN CT PY RK I AM HAYD EN RD LEXINGTO DE LEE HW Y Y RN Z IMBR O A ST ALMOND T ILL Williams Site FRE EDO M CENTER EW FO WY 15 EH Y LE WY 29 H LEE GA U ST AR SUD LE ST VE DS RD I NC E FIV EN H LEE U ST T AR NELSO N L N NEL PAR K ROBIN LY CI EM PR 2 CT COCKR EH HL 234 H LEE L HWY D B A RD AR SH AL ON GT E AV T TS ET LD G JOHN M RL AN PLA ERATE TR IN N EW GA ST LN Sudley Manor Site 1 HA Z EW O OD CT WINTERWO CON FED SH WA GLADSTONE ST MERIT CT OS OD Vulcan Quarry Site T Sudley Manor Site 2 CT T STO T W LE PY DR RI X I AM RT H LE S NC CH ILL SW O V IL A S HE SK LON GST Y RD CT DR GO URY A D AM RA B W O OD ST I R TA CT BO N D AV E SWEE TB RIAR OS E R TON A MB ASH R TE D YGA CT FIN RUF RO R SUN N CR CT SD SUD LE D ES SE G EW R LE Y LIBERTY ST SU D RD PORT NER AVE SUDLEY DR 2 DR QU AR N ST RO EWEL L HU DY S OO D E TW OU R R D LE HY ST E LE EAR LY R RD 29 E L DR RD LL PEAB O RNE LI HA CT AW CG R O SC TO N S RD PL HY D ARTO ST M AN KS LI N HY DIGGE CLA ALE PL E S C O VE WA Y EL S E LE G TON R WEEMS RD IB Y WEL LIN ROLLING RD CT RK T ON E LE HW E WA Y CE NTE R DR SIDE MERCURY AV C RD HW B RA NCH DR N EW CT TE R RO JAM Y ER E LE TO N DR HW RH LING NE ON L LE T GA Y WEL HY R GILLIS WAY OS PL H O AC M AN A Y E LE Y S TO DI S ILL EV BLE IGHT DR DR AUL S AI N TP RI TA G C AN Y GR ASH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE TW E O VE LL S T LP S O N HW Y ADI ES M JAM Y HW ON DIS MA ES JAM HY ON DIS E LE ES MA HW HY HW HY D S EY M E LE Gainesville Site 1 LR MA Gainesville Site 2 E LE HY H AL ES C OT E BL ON R FD IC HW E LIM PO N D E LE Dominion Station Site L TH A Y ITY B AL L PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY NT JAM DR HE E BL C OT TH RS IVE UN U NT SH AY M R RIFIE R EH AR WILL IA M PY AG TR AP D IN SD R TE ED I NC F ORD DR M ER PINEY B HER I T W R AS S S SING D R W HA DE PR A N CH LN NM L GG PR AT W ELLIN G H JOH GA NO AN RD LL IAM PK WY EA W CRO L DR L RD RR NK N DO TO PRINC E WI NP WAY HULFISH N IN TUR ET A L N U T H IL E LE L HI L RS Florida Rock Site RD VO DA R ED H O U S E WY CL SOM E VE SO VE CUSHING E TR EY MA GR O G PA PIN RD B C AR CT YM HA A RK DR RD NEPTU N E ET A OLD CAROLIN VENUS CT 15 FN P R I NC E 66 G AF AN EL CATH AR K EY CL U LN Haymarket Site 1 N DL FORBES PL N LP EG E N D DR I LLS D R E LE GAP WAY J OC BE R A R T HU R H L N ST NE W R L W IT TON C L PL G H AM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G R OV E LN AN LN CART ERWO OD DR WAS HING TO Haymarket Site 2 S ST 66 LL HWY HEATHC OTE BL AVALON ISLE WAY JOR D T CL CHARLE JOH N MARSHA RS RD WAY SKIP TON ABB E H T TI OC RE C AN DAN EH U IN AY I HC O T R E D R E BL SH E R AM W SH GH HEAT NN EM O SLAT PE VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket PZ E AG L IN 29 TO N LL RD CH L N E RD CENTREVIL L RY ST MATH IS AVE R RK SH R ALLWO OD RY ER QU AR CH CT ST ST R BA RT OW LN HI LL BR EY PI T AN EN TS D CK ET T T LN D BY RD DR PL HO O ST E IR DR CL OV ER BE R DR FOS TE D ILL SV KE NO D EA N GODWIN DR ER RD GT ON LIN EL W N DR BU R N LIBERTY ST DY S PEAB O CT MAL LO W T ST ER N U BU T T RD O D DR WO ER NN BA PORT NER AVE TW R DR Y M ANO SUD LE WY DS EL SH RD IL LE TRE V E AV IN TOWN LN 1 RD C EN MA LN NE R 6% - 11% G OR B UC K 3% - 5% 500ft Buffer Y LE AG RD Potential Park and Ride Sites W T 0% - 2% D TU Figure 4-13: % of Low-Income Population VRE Haymarket Extension N KI MC BR E AV Potential Station Locations YD H OO T LS N Legend OL OG SC E SO RD 28 HN AV R FE TO N PE F JE NG TE C LN ST TS ST M ST CT IA S ILL EA LA W DL E UG O C O O D IN W PR AS T L LI LI O NC IN ES S Low-Income Population PY Waterbody G RA N Roads T AVE 0 Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 2,000 4,000 Feet VE MA W VE TA ER NT A ST T AN CE EE TS R ST LS D PA N R CH T ED ST ES UR YS ST MANASSAS T E AV VI E IR B ZE IN W E LE T MA ST Y L WA E AV SB CH GR CEN TE R ST E LE E LL R D LE TT BA VE TA MO ST GS FA T AN RO BNEL AVE LN CEN TE MAPLE ST IRV IN GR AV E AVE PARK LIVINGSTON RD EG T TS ST RD N UR E AV ES Y AL L CT SO A BE D AR R Y RD W OD BE A UR EG A RD RE ET D TAYLO RS AB N EW BALLS FO RD RD E AV PE STO M DR IA LL AS WI ILL ET ST ALMOND RN VE CE NO SV KE D ER S T AR U ST AR SUD LE ST Z IMBR O A NN CT D IN VI NT H IL L R D VINT HILL RD GA BL R LE Y PR 1 M AN A S U ST Wellington Road Site DR Y 66 SU D Y T G THO N D RD H LEE DS PY SR IN VL WY Y PLA ERATE TR ON GT NELSO N L N NEL PAR K ROBIN LY I AM RK WE N VALLEY DE H LEE EH Y LE WY 29 H LEE CT CI ILL Williams Site FRE EDO M CENTER EW FO LEXINGTO HAYD EN RD RD I NC E FIV WY LEE HW Y H LEE D MERIT CT EM EN 15 H LEE HA Z IN GLADSTONE ST COCKR EH HL 234 PR 2 L HWY RL AN B A RD AR SH AL GA ST LN Sudley Manor Site 1 SH WA EW O OD CT WINTERWO CON FED T E AV T TS ET LD G JOHN M T Vulcan Quarry Site NC Sudley Manor Site 2 CT OS LON GST Y RD CT T SK OD LE S W LE PY DR RI X I AM RT H V IL A S HE BO N D DR GO URY A D AM RA B W O OD ST I R TA CT SWEE TB RIAR OS E AV E R TE D YGA CT FIN RUF TON R ASH A MB CH ILL SW O SUD LE D SUN N RO EW R LE Y QU AR SU D RD ST SUDLEY DR CR CT R GAINSFORD CT 2 DR EWEL L N ST RO EAR LY HU ES SE G R SD PINEY LI HA CT OO D E D ARTO ST DIGGE CLA OU R R D LE HY G TON R RD OL D E L DR E LE HY B R AN HY M AN KS LI N E LE WEL LIN ROLLING RD CT RK T ON Y E WA Y CE NTE R DR S RD R WA Y EL S HW RD HW B RA NCH DR WEEMS RD IB ER E LE TO N SIDE MERCURY AV RH LING N EW CT TE R RO JAM Y HW L LE T GA Y WEL HY R GILLIS WAY OS PL H O AC M AN A Y E LE Y DR ON ILL EV BLE IGHT DR DR AUL S AI N TP RI TA G C AN Y GR ASH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE TW E O VE LL S T LP S O N HW Y ADI ES M JAM Y HW ON DIS MA ES JAM HY ON DIS HW ES MA AL L HY HW HY NE DI S E LE Gainesville Site 1 S TO MA E LE E LIM ES Gainesville Site 2 E LE HY D AW CG R L C OT E BL E LE PL E S C O VE RD Y ITY B SH E LE RNE HW LR JAM DR AR C O SC E LE H AL PL E BL ON ALE OT HC RS IVE UN U NT PO N D AT PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY Dominion Station Site EH HE WILL IA M PY NT R FD IC D IN SD R RIFIE R AG NM AY M S EY M TE ED I NC F ORD DR M ER PINEY B HER I T W H JOH L W HA DE PR A N CH LN TR AP S SING D R PR AT W ELLIN G L DR L R AS S NO AN RD LL IAM PK WY TH W CRO GG RR NK N DO TO PRINC E WI EA GA N IN TUR ET A L N U T H IL NP WAY HULFISH RD L HI L RS Florida Rock Site RD VO DA R ED H O U S E WY CL SOM E VE SO VE CUSHING E TR EY MA GR O G PA PIN RD B C AR CT YM HA A RK DR RD NEPTU N E ET A OLD CAROLIN VENUS CT 15 FN P R I NC E E LE G AF AN EL CATH AR K EY CL U LN Haymarket Site 1 N DL FORBES PL N LP EG E N D DR I LLS D R 66 GAP WAY J OC BE R A R T HU R H L N ST NE W R L W IT TON C L PL G H AM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G R OV E LN AN LN CART ERWO OD DR WAS HING TO Haymarket Site 2 S ST 66 LL HWY HEATHC OTE BL AVALON ISLE WAY JOR D T CL CHARLE JOH N MARSHA RS RD WAY SKIP TON ABB E H T TI OC RE C AN DAN EH U IN AY I HC O T R E D R E BL SH E R AM W SH GH HEAT NN EM O SLAT PE VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket PZ E AG 29 TO N LL RD E RD CENTREVIL L ST RY R SH RK ALLWO OD CT RY ER AR CH QU ST OW ST IN HI LL EY PI EN TS D CK ET T T LN D T AN DR RD BY LN BR RT BA R PL DR N HO O ST E IR DR CL OV ER BE R DR E AV R FOS TE D ILL SV KE NO D EA N GODWIN DR ER RD GT ON LIN GAINSFORD CT CH L N MATH IS AVE PORT NER AVE QU AR DY S PEAB O CT CT SIDE BU R N LIBERTY ST BU T T ER MAL LO W T ST O D DR WO ER N U Y M ANO SUD LE WY DS SH EL NN RD R DR CR ES SE EL MA LN TOWN LN 1 RD W G OR NE R RD D TU B UC K IL LE ST Y LE AG RD TRE V W EE N KI MC BR E AV YD H OO T LS N Legend OL OG SC E SO RD 28 HN AV R FE TO N PE F JE NG TE C ST T T L LI LI LN Figure 4-14: Archaeologically Significant Sites Potential Station Locations VRE Haymarket Extension D IN CE S M DR IA LL AS WI PY G RA N T AVE ILL D ER M AN A S 500ft Buffer Waterbody Roads 0 2,000 4,000 Feet VE IN TS S A MA ER NT ES VE TA W AN CE ST M ST CT IA S ILL EA LA W DL E UG O C O O D IN W PR AS LS D PA N R CH T ST MANASSAS T E AV VI E IR T UR YS ED TS R ST O NC FA B ZE ST ES CH GR E LE L WA E AV Y T IN W VE TA CEN TE R ST SB ST GS MA ST AN MO E LE E LL R D LE TT BA GR RO BNEL AVE LN CEN TE MAPLE ST IRV IN T ST AV E AVE PARK C EN EG T TS UR E AV ES Y N A BE D AR R Y RD W OD RD CT SO RE ET D TAYLO RS AB BE A UR EG A RD AL L ET ST ALMOND RN VE LIVINGSTON RD E AV PE T AR U ST AR SUD LE ST Z IMBR O A NN CT GA BL R LE Y PR NO VINT HILL RD SV KE E AV T TS Potential Park and Ride Sites 1 VI NT H IL L R D U ST Wellington Road Site DR 66 SU D Y T G THO N D RD H LEE DS PY SR IN VL WY Y ON GT NELSO N L N NEL PAR K ROBIN LY I AM RK WE N VALLEY DE H LEE Y CI ILL Williams Site FRE EDO M CENTER EW FO LEXINGTO HAYD EN RD RD I NC E FIV WY LEE HW Y EH Y LE WY 29 H LEE CT MERIT CT LN EM EN 15 H LEE H LEE D PLA ERATE TR IN GLADSTONE ST COCKR EH HL 234 PR 2 L HWY RL AN B A RD AR SH AL GA OD CT WINTERWO CON FED HA Z EW O ST W LE Vulcan Quarry Site OS OD Sudley Manor Site 2 CT SH WA N EW T T DR LE S NC RT H V IL A S HE SK T STO DR GO URY A D AM RA B W O OD ST I R TA CT LON GST Y RD CT OS E AV E BO N D TON SWEE TB RIAR ASH R SW O SUD LE D ET LD G JOHN M R LE Y ST SU D RD EWEL L SUDLEY DR R TE D YGA CT FIN RUF R B R AN 2 DR ST N EAR LY RO E L DR HU SUN N SD PINEY LI HA DIGGE OO D E D RD L IN TW OU R R D LE HY G TON R ARTO ST M AN KS LI N OL D ROLLING RD CT RK T ON CLA EL S HY S RD E LE WA Y AW CG R R HY WEL LIN WEEMS RD IB E LE E WA Y CE NTE R DR BA MERCURY AV Y B RA NCH DR N EW CT TE R RO JAM Y HW ON HW RD HW TO N DR DI S ER E LE LING NE MA RH WEL HY T GA Y Approximate Location of Significant Site - 44PW1616 Y S TO ES L LE E LE HY R GILLIS WAY OS PL H O AC M AN A Y PL E S C O VE RD HY HW Gainesville Site 1 E LE HY E LIM JAM E LE RI X BALLS FO RD RD ILL EV BLE IGHT DR DR AUL S AI N TP RI TA G C AN Y GR ASH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE TW E O VE LL S T LP S O N HW Y ADI ES M JAM Y HW ON DIS MA ES JAM HY ON DIS HW ES MA AL L E LE RNE L E LE E LE C O SC ITY B Gainesville Site 2 A MB CH RIFIE R DR C OT E BL D PL HW Y LR ALE E LE Dominion Station Site RS IVE UN U NT PO N D A Sudley Manor Site 1 F ORD DR M ER PINEY B EH HE E BL C OT TH H AL RO PY AG SH PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY ON CT I AM HER I T AR WILL IA M PY NT G R ILL W H NM L R FD IC D IN SD R EW L DR L JOH AY M S EY M TE ED I NC TH W W HA Potential Archaeological Site PR A N CH LN TR AP S SING D R PR AT W ELLIN G R AS S NO AN RD LL IAM PK WY CRO GG RR NK N DO TO PRINC E WI EA GA N IN TUR ET A L N U T H IL NP WAY HULFISH RD L HI L RS DE Florida Rock Site RD VO DA R ED H O U S E WY CL SOM E VE SO VE CUSHING E TR EY MA GR O G PA PIN RD B C AR CT YM HA A RK DR RD NEPTU N E ET A OLD CAROLIN VENUS CT 15 FN P R I NC E E LE G AF AN EL CATH AR K EY CL U LN Haymarket Site 1 N DL FORBES PL N LP EG E N D DR I LLS D R 66 GAP WAY J OC BE R A R T HU R H L N ST NE W R L W IT TON C L PL G H AM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G R OV E LN AN LN CART ERWO OD DR WAS HING TO Haymarket Site 2 S ST 66 LL HWY HEATHC OTE BL AVALON ISLE WAY JOR D T CL CHARLE JOH N MARSHA RS RD WAY SKIP TON ABB E H T TI OC RE C AN DAN EH U IN AY I HC O T R E D R E BL SH E R AM W SH GH HEAT NN EM O SLAT PE VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket PZ E AG L IN 29 TO N LL RD 28B 32A 3A 49A 8C 500ft Buffer 13B 28C 33B 40B 4B 13C 2C 33C 40C 53B 17A 30B 33D 46B 54B G RA N T AVE Source: Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database 2,000 4,000 Feet CH L N RK CENTREVIL L E RD SH R ALLWO OD CT RY ST RY ER AR CH QU ST OW ST IN HI LL EY PI EN TS D CK ET T T LN D T AN DR RD BY LN BR RT BA R PL DR N HO O E ST CL OV ER IR DR E AV BE R DR FOS TE D ILL SV KE NO 11B D EA N GODWIN DR ER RD GT ON LIN EL W Potential Park and Ride Sites 0 GAINSFORD CT MATH IS AVE R LIBERTY ST BU R N PORT NER AVE DY S PEAB O CT MAL LO W T ST ER N U RD BA NN ER BU T T WO O D DR RD IL LE TRE V C EN QU AR TW R DR Y M ANO SUD LE WY DS EL SH LIVINGSTON RD 5C MA LN TOWN LN 1 RD 48A G OR NE R 38B D TU B UC K 31C W 27A ST MUSYM EE 56A Y LE AG RD 46C N KI MC BR E AV 35B YD H OO T LS N PY 31B OL OG SC E SO M DR IA LL AS WI 1A 28 HN AV R FE Soils PE F JE TE C ST T T RD LI LN VE IN TS S A MA ER NT ES VE TA W AN CE ST M ST CT IA S ILL EA LA W DL E UG O C O O D IN W PR AS LS D PA N R CH T ST MANASSAS T E AV VI E IR T UR YS ED TS R ST O NC FA B ZE ST ES CH GR E LE L WA E AV Y T IN W VE TA CEN TE R ST SB ST GS MA ST AN MO E LE E LL R D LE TT BA GR RO BNEL AVE LN CEN TE MAPLE ST IRV IN T ST AV E AVE PARK BALLS FO RD RD EG T TS UR E AV ES Y N A BE D AR R Y RD W OD RD CT SO RE ET D TAYLO RS AB BE A UR EG A RD AL L CE ILL E AV PE N EW TO N Potential Station Locations Roads STO NG Legend Waterbody ET ST ALMOND RN VE D IN NO SV KE D ER S T AR U ST AR SUD LE ST Z IMBR O A NN CT R LE Y PR 1 VI NT H IL L R D VINT HILL RD GA BL L LI VRE Haymarket Extension M AN A S U ST Wellington Road Site DR 66 SU D Y T G THO N D RD H LEE DS PY SR IN VL WY PLA ERATE TR ON GT NELSO N L N NEL PAR K ROBIN LY I AM RK WE N VALLEY DE H LEE CT CI ILL Williams Site FRE EDO M CENTER EW FO LEXINGTO HAYD EN RD RD I NC E FIV WY LEE HW Y Y D MERIT CT EM EN 15 Y WY 29 H LEE EH Y LE HA Z IN GLADSTONE ST COCKR EH HL 234 H LEE H LEE RL AN B PR 2 L HWY GA OD CT WINTERWO CON FED SH WA EW O ST LN Sudley Manor Site 1 A RD AR SH AL OS T E AV T TS ET LD G JOHN M CT OD W LE Vulcan Quarry Site SK LON GST Y RD CT T T Sudley Manor Site 2 DR RI X PY RT H LE S NC CH I AM SW O V IL A S HE BO N D DR GO URY A D AM RA B W O OD ST I R TA CT SWEE TB RIAR OS E AV E R TE D YGA CT FIN RUF TON R ASH A MB R SUD LE D SUN N RO ILL R LE Y ST SU D RD EWEL L SUDLEY DR CR CT EW B R AN 2 DR ST N EAR LY RO E L DR HU ES SE G SD PINEY LI HA CT OO D E D ARTO ST DIGGE CLA OU R R D LE HY G TON R RD OL D M AN KS HY S RD E LE HY WEL LIN ROLLING RD CT RK T ON LI N AW CG R R WA Y EL S E LE E WA Y CE NTE R DR WEEMS RD IB Y B RA NCH DR SIDE MERCURY AV HW RD HW TO N N EW CT TE R RO JAM Y HW ON ER E LE LING DR DI S RH T GA Y WEL HY NE MA L LE E LE Y R GILLIS WAY OS PL H O AC M AN A Y PL E S C O VE RD HY HW HY S TO S EY M E LE Gainesville Site 1 E LE HY D ES ILL EV BLE IGHT DR DR AUL S AI N TP RI TA G C AN Y GR ASH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE TW E O VE LL S T LP S O N HW Y ADI ES M JAM Y HW ON DIS MA ES JAM HY ON DIS HW ES MA AL L E LE RNE L Gainesville Site 2 E LE E LE C O SC ITY B C OT E BL LR PL HW H AL ALE E LE Dominion Station Site E LIM PO N D A Y ON JAM DR HE E BL C OT TH RS IVE UN U NT SH AY M R RIFIE R EH AR PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY AG NM WILL IA M PY NT R FD IC D IN SD R TE ED I NC F ORD DR M ER PINEY B HER I T W H JOH L W HA DE PR A N CH LN TR AP S SING D R PR AT W ELLIN G L DR L R AS S NO AN RD LL IAM PK WY TH W CRO GG RR NK N DO TO PRINC E WI EA GA N IN TUR ET A L N U T H IL NP WAY HULFISH RD L HI L RS Florida Rock Site RD VO DA R ED H O U S E WY CL SOM E VE SO VE CUSHING E TR EY MA GR O G PA PIN RD B C AR CT YM HA A RK DR RD NEPTU N E ET A OLD CAROLIN VENUS CT 15 FN P R I NC E E LE G AF AN EL CATH AR K EY CL U LN Haymarket Site 1 N DL FORBES PL N LP EG E N D DR I LLS D R 66 GAP WAY J OC BE R A R T HU R H L N ST NE W R L W IT TON C L PL G H AM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G R OV E LN AN LN CART ERWO OD DR WAS HING TO Haymarket Site 2 S ST 66 LL HWY HEATHC OTE BL AVALON ISLE WAY JOR D T CL CHARLE JOH N MARSHA RS RD WAY SKIP TON ABB E H T TI OC RE C AN DAN EH U IN AY I HC O T R E D R E BL SH E R AM W SH GH HEAT NN EM O SLAT PE Figure 4-15: Soils VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket PZ E AG L IN 29 TO N LL RD RD CH L N E RD CENTREVIL L RY ST MATH IS AVE R RK SH R ALLWO OD RY ER QU AR CH CT ST ST R BA RT OW LN HI LL BR EY PI T AN EN TS D CK ET T T LN D BY RD DR PL HO O ST E IR DR D EA N CL OV ER BE R DR FOS TE D ILL SV KE NO N DR BU R N GODWIN DR ER RD GT ON LIN EL W E AV IN TOWN LN 1 RD IL LE MA LN NE R TRE V G OR B UC K Y LE AG RD C EN D TU LIBERTY ST DY S PEAB O CT MAL LO W T ST ER N U RD BA NN ER BU T T WO O D DR LIVINGSTON RD PORT NER AVE TW R DR Y M ANO SUD LE WY DS EL SH BALLS FO RD RD W ST T N KI MC BR E AV OO T LS N Legend YD H E SO RD OL OG SC AV R FE TO N PE F JE NG 28 HN ST TS T L LI TE C LN Figure 4-16: Water Resources Potential Station Locations VRE Haymarket Extension D IN CE S M DR IA LL AS WI PY G RA N 500ft Buffer Waterbody Roads 0 T AVE ILL D ER M AN A S Source: http://www2.census.gov/geo/tiger/TIGER2007FE/51_VIRGINIA/ 2,000 4,000 Feet VE IN ES S A MA W VE TA ER NT EE T AN CE ST M ST CT IA S ILL EA LA W DL E UG O C O O D IN W PR AS LS D PA N R CH T ST MANASSAS T E AV VI E IR TS UR YS ED ES CH GR R ST O NC FA B ZE ST W VE TA E LE L WA E AV Y T IN ST AN CEN TE R ST SB ST GS MA LE TT BA GR AVE PARK MO E LE E LL R D IRV IN T ST AV E RO BNEL AVE LN CEN TE MAPLE ST TS Y N EG T ES OD RD SO UR E AV W AB AL L CT PE N EW BE A UR EG A RD A BE D AR R Y RD TAYLO RS LI BL R LE Y PR NO VINT HILL RD SV KE E AV RE ET D Potential Park and Ride Sites 1 VI NT H IL L R D ET Wellington Road Site DR 66 SU D Y RN NN CT G THO N D RD H LEE GA Z IMBR O A ST ALMOND T PY SR IN VL WY Y T AR U ST AR SUD LE ST VE DS I AM RK WE N VALLEY DE H LEE Y U ST STO PLA ERATE TR ON GT NELSO N L N NEL PAR K ROBIN LY ILL Williams Site FRE EDO M CENTER EW FO LEXINGTO HAYD EN RD RD I NC E FIV WY LEE HW Y EH Y LE WY 29 H LEE CT CI EM EN 15 H LEE H LEE D COCKR EH HL 234 PR 2 L HWY RL AN B A RD AR SH AL HA Z IN GLADSTONE ST MERIT CT LN Sudley Manor Site 1 SH WA E AV T TS ET LD G JOHN M GA OD CT WINTERWO CON FED T EW O ST T Vulcan Quarry Site NC Sudley Manor Site 2 CT OS LON GST Y RD CT T SK OD LE S W LE PY DR RI X I AM RT H V IL A S HE BO N D DR GO URY A D AM RA B W O OD ST I R TA CT SWEE TB RIAR OS E AV E R TE D YGA CT FIN RUF TON R ASH A MB CH ILL SW O SUD LE D SUN N RO EW R LE Y QU AR SU D RD ST SUDLEY DR CR CT R GAINSFORD CT 2 DR EWEL L N ST RO EAR LY HU ES SE G R SD PINEY LI HA CT OO D E D ARTO ST DIGGE CLA OU R R D LE HY G TON R RD OL D E L DR E LE HY B R AN HY M AN KS LI N E LE WEL LIN ROLLING RD CT RK T ON Y E WA Y CE NTE R DR S RD R WA Y EL S HW RD HW B RA NCH DR WEEMS RD IB ER E LE TO N SIDE MERCURY AV RH LING N EW CT TE R RO JAM Y HW L LE T GA Y WEL HY R GILLIS WAY OS PL H O AC M AN A Y E LE Y DR ON ILL EV BLE IGHT DR DR AUL S AI N TP RI TA G C AN Y GR ASH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE TW E O VE LL S T LP S O N HW Y ADI ES M JAM Y HW ON DIS MA ES JAM HY ON DIS HW ES MA AL L HY HW HY NE DI S E LE Gainesville Site 1 S TO MA E LE E LIM ES Gainesville Site 2 E LE HY D AW CG R L C OT E BL E LE PL E S C O VE RD Y ITY B SH E LE RNE HW LR JAM DR AR C O SC E LE H AL PL E BL ON ALE OT HC RS IVE UN U NT PO N D AT PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY Dominion Station Site EH HE WILL IA M PY NT R FD IC D IN SD R RIFIE R AG NM AY M S EY M TE ED I NC F ORD DR M ER PINEY B HER I T W H JOH L W HA DE PR A N CH LN TR AP S SING D R PR AT W ELLIN G L DR L R AS S NO AN RD LL IAM PK WY TH W CRO GG RR NK N DO TO PRINC E WI EA GA N IN TUR ET A L N U T H IL NP WAY HULFISH RD L HI L RS Florida Rock Site RD VO DA R ED H O U S E WY CL SOM E VE SO VE CUSHING E TR EY MA GR O G PA PIN RD B C AR CT YM HA A RK DR RD NEPTU N E ET A OLD CAROLIN VENUS CT 15 FN P R I NC E E LE G AF AN EL CATH AR K EY CL U LN Haymarket Site 1 N DL FORBES PL N LP EG E N D DR I LLS D R 66 GAP WAY J OC BE R A R T HU R H L N ST NE W R L W IT TON C L PL G H AM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G R OV E LN AN LN CART ERWO OD DR WAS HING TO Haymarket Site 2 S ST 66 LL HWY HEATHC OTE BL AVALON ISLE WAY JOR D T CL CHARLE JOH N MARSHA RS RD WAY SKIP TON ABB E H T TI OC RE C AN DAN EH U IN AY I HC O T R E D R E BL SH E R AM W SH GH HEAT NN EM O SLAT PE VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket PZ E AG L IN 29 TO N LL RD CH L N RK CENTREVIL L E RD SH R ALLWO OD CT RY ST RY ER QU AR CH OW ST ST HI LL EY PI EN TS D CK ET T T LN D T AN DR RD BY LN BR RT BA R PL DR N HO O ST E IR DR CL OV ER BE R DR FOS TE D ILL SV NO KE W D EA N GODWIN DR ER RD GT ON EL LIN GAINSFORD CT MATH IS AVE R LIBERTY ST BU R N PORT NER AVE DY S PEAB O CT MAL LO W T ST ER N U RD BA NN ER BU T T WO O D DR RD E AV IN TOWN LN 1 RD IL LE MA LN NE R TRE V G OR B UC K C EN QU AR TW R DR Y M ANO SUD LE WY DS EL SH LIVINGSTON RD W 500 year Floodplain Y LE AG RD Potential Park and Ride Sites ST T 100 year Floodplain D TU Figure 4-17: Floodplain Zones VRE Haymarket Extension N KI MC BR E AV Potential Station Locations YD H OO T LS N Legend OL OG SC E SO RD 28 HN AV R FE TO N PE F JE NG TE C ST TS T L LI LI LN Floodplains 500ft Buffer PY Waterbody G RA N Roads T AVE 0 Source: FEMA 2,000 4,000 Feet VE IN ES S A MA W VE TA ER NT EE T AN CE ST M ST CT IA S ILL EA LA W DL E UG O C O O D IN W PR AS LS D PA N R CH T ST MANASSAS T E AV VI E IR TS UR YS ED ES CH GR R ST O NC FA B ZE ST W VE TA E LE L WA E AV Y T IN ST AN CEN TE R ST SB ST GS MA LE TT BA GR MO E LE E LL R D MAPLE ST IRV IN T ST AV E RO BNEL AVE LN CEN TE T TS EG E AV ES Y UR AVE PARK CT N A BE D AR R Y RD W OD RD ET SO RE ET D TAYLO RS AB BE A UR EG A RD AL L BALLS FO RD RD E AV PE N EW M DR IA LL AS WI ILL STO RN Z IMBR O A ST ALMOND CE NO SV KE D ER S T AR U ST AR SUD LE ST VE D IN VI NT H IL L R D VINT HILL RD GA BL R LE Y PR 1 M AN A S U ST Wellington Road Site DR Y 66 SU D Y ERATE TR ON GT NELSO N L N NEL PAR K NN CT G THO N D RD H LEE T PY SR IN VL WY PLA DS I AM RK WE N VALLEY DE H LEE Y CT ROBIN LY ILL Williams Site FRE EDO M CENTER EW FO LEXINGTO HAYD EN RD RD I NC E FIV WY LEE HW Y EH Y LE WY 29 H LEE D CI EM EN 15 H LEE H LEE RL AN COCKR EH HL 234 PR 2 L HWY GA B A RD AR SH AL HA Z IN GLADSTONE ST MERIT CT LN Sudley Manor Site 1 SH WA EW O OD CT WINTERWO CON FED T E AV T TS ET LD G JOHN M OS ST W LE Vulcan Quarry Site CT OD Sudley Manor Site 2 SK LON GST Y RD CT T T DR RI X PY RT H LE S NC CH I AM SW O V IL A S HE BO N D DR GO URY A D AM RA B W O OD ST I R TA CT SWEE TB RIAR OS E AV E R TE D YGA CT FIN RUF TON R ASH A MB R SUD LE D SUN N RO ILL R LE Y ST SU D RD EWEL L SUDLEY DR CR CT EW B R AN 2 DR ST N EAR LY RO E L DR HU ES SE G R SD PINEY LI HA CT OO D E D ARTO ST DIGGE CLA OU R R D LE HY G TON R RD OL D M AN KS HY S RD E LE HY WEL LIN ROLLING RD CT RK T ON LI N AW CG R R WA Y EL S E LE E WA Y CE NTE R DR WEEMS RD IB Y B RA NCH DR SIDE MERCURY AV HW RD HW TO N N EW CT TE R RO JAM Y HW ER E LE LING DR ON RH T GA Y WEL HY NE DI S L LE E LE Y R GILLIS WAY OS PL H O AC M AN A Y PL E S C O VE RD HY HW HY S TO MA E LE Gainesville Site 1 E LE HY D ES ILL EV BLE IGHT DR DR AUL S AI N TP RI TA G C AN Y GR ASH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE TW E O VE LL S T LP S O N HW Y ADI ES M JAM Y HW ON DIS MA ES JAM HY ON DIS HW ES MA AL L E LE RNE L Gainesville Site 2 E LE E LE C O SC ITY B C OT E BL LR PL HW H AL ALE E LE Dominion Station Site E LIM PO N D A Y ON JAM DR HE E BL C OT TH RS IVE UN U NT SH PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY NT R FD IC D IN SD R RIFIE R EH AR WILL IA M PY AG NM AY M S EY M TE ED I NC F ORD DR M ER PINEY B HER I T W H JOH L W HA DE PR A N CH LN TR AP S SING D R PR AT W ELLIN G L DR L R AS S NO AN RD LL IAM PK WY TH W CRO GG RR NK N DO TO PRINC E WI EA GA N IN TUR ET A L N U T H IL NP WAY HULFISH RD L HI L RS Florida Rock Site RD VO DA R ED H O U S E WY CL SOM E VE SO VE CUSHING E TR EY MA GR O G PA PIN RD B C AR CT YM HA A RK DR RD NEPTU N E ET A OLD CAROLIN VENUS CT 15 FN P R I NC E E LE G AF AN EL CATH AR K EY CL U LN Haymarket Site 1 N DL FORBES PL N LP EG E N D DR I LLS D R 66 GAP WAY J OC BE R A R T HU R H L N ST NE W R L W IT TON C L PL G H AM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G R OV E LN AN LN CART ERWO OD DR WAS HING TO Haymarket Site 2 S ST 66 LL HWY HEATHC OTE BL AVALON ISLE WAY JOR D T CL CHARLE JOH N MARSHA RS RD WAY SKIP TON ABB E H T TI OC RE C AN DAN EH U IN AY I HC O T R E D R E BL SH E R AM W SH GH HEAT NN EM O SLAT PE VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket PZ E AG L IN 29 TO N LL RD CH L N KE NO RK CENTREVIL L E RD SH R ALLWO OD CT RY ST RY ER QU AR CH OW ST ST HI LL EY PI EN TS D CK ET T T LN D T AN DR RD BY LN BR RT BA R PL DR N HO O ST E IR DR CL OV ER BE R DR FOS TE D ILL SV EL W D EA N GODWIN DR ER RD GT ON LIN GAINSFORD CT MATH IS AVE R LIBERTY ST BU R N PORT NER AVE DY S PEAB O CT MAL LO W T ST ER N U RD BA NN ER BU T T WO O D DR RD E AV IN TOWN LN 1 RD IL LE MA LN NE R TRE V G OR B UC K Y LE AG RD C EN QU AR TW R DR Y M ANO SUD LE WY DS EL SH LIVINGSTON RD W ST T D TU Figure 4-18: Wetland Type PY VRE Haymarket Extension Freshwater Emergent Wetland Potential Park and Ride Sites Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland 500ft Buffer Freshwater Pond Waterbody Other Wetlands G RA N Roads T AVE 0 Source: http://wetlandsfws.er.usgs.gov N KI MC BR E AV Potential Station Locations YD H OO T LS N Legend OL OG SC E SO RD 28 HN AV R FE TO N PE F JE NG TE C ST TS T L LI LI LN 2,000 4,000 Feet VE IN ES S A MA W VE TA ER NT EE T AN CE ST M ST CT IA S ILL EA LA W DL E UG O C O O D IN W PR AS LS D PA N R CH T ST MANASSAS T E AV VI E IR TS UR YS ED ES CH GR R ST O NC FA B ZE ST W VE TA E LE L WA E AV Y T IN ST AN CEN TE R ST SB ST GS MA LE TT BA GR MO E LE E LL R D MAPLE ST IRV IN T ST AV E RO BNEL AVE LN CEN TE T TS EG E AV ES Y UR AVE PARK CT N A BE D AR R Y RD W OD RD ET SO RE ET D TAYLO RS AB BE A UR EG A RD AL L BALLS FO RD RD E AV PE N EW M D DR IA LL ER AS WI ILL STO RN Z IMBR O A ST ALMOND CE NO SV KE S T AR U ST AR SUD LE ST VE D IN VI NT H IL L R D VINT HILL RD GA BL R LE Y PR 1 M AN A S U ST Wellington Road Site DR Y 66 SU D Y ERATE TR ON GT NELSO N L N NEL PAR K NN CT G THO N D RD H LEE T PY SR IN VL WY PLA DS I AM RK WE N VALLEY DE H LEE Y CT ROBIN LY ILL Williams Site FRE EDO M CENTER EW FO LEXINGTO HAYD EN RD RD I NC E FIV WY LEE HW Y EH Y LE WY 29 H LEE D CI EM EN 15 H LEE H LEE RL AN COCKR EH HL 234 PR 2 L HWY GA B A RD AR SH AL HA Z IN GLADSTONE ST MERIT CT LN Sudley Manor Site 1 SH WA EW O OD CT WINTERWO CON FED T E AV T TS ET LD G JOHN M OS ST W LE Vulcan Quarry Site CT OD Sudley Manor Site 2 SK LON GST Y RD CT T T DR RI X PY RT H LE S NC CH I AM SW O V IL A S HE BO N D DR GO URY A D AM RA B W O OD ST I R TA CT SWEE TB RIAR OS E AV E R TE D YGA CT FIN RUF TON R ASH A MB R SUD LE D SUN N RO ILL R LE Y ST SU D RD EWEL L SUDLEY DR CR CT EW B R AN 2 DR ST N EAR LY RO E L DR HU ES SE G R SD PINEY LI HA CT OO D E D ARTO ST DIGGE CLA OU R R D LE HY G TON R RD OL D M AN KS HY S RD E LE HY WEL LIN ROLLING RD CT RK T ON LI N AW CG R R WA Y EL S E LE E WA Y CE NTE R DR WEEMS RD IB Y B RA NCH DR SIDE MERCURY AV HW RD HW TO N N EW CT TE R RO JAM Y HW ER E LE LING DR ON RH T GA Y WEL HY NE DI S L LE E LE Y R GILLIS WAY OS PL H O AC M AN A Y PL E S C O VE RD HY HW HY S TO MA E LE Gainesville Site 1 E LE HY D ES ILL EV BLE IGHT DR DR AUL S AI N TP RI TA G C AN Y GR ASH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE TW E O VE LL S T LP S O N HW Y ADI ES M JAM Y HW ON DIS MA ES JAM HY ON DIS HW ES MA AL L E LE RNE L Gainesville Site 2 E LE E LE C O SC ITY B C OT E BL LR PL HW H AL ALE E LE Dominion Station Site E LIM PO N D A Y ON JAM DR HE E BL C OT TH RS IVE UN U NT SH PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY NT R FD IC D IN SD R RIFIE R EH AR WILL IA M PY AG NM AY M S EY M TE ED I NC F ORD DR M ER PINEY B HER I T W H JOH L W HA DE PR A N CH LN TR AP S SING D R PR AT W ELLIN G L DR L R AS S NO AN RD LL IAM PK WY TH W CRO GG RR NK N DO TO PRINC E WI EA GA N IN TUR ET A L N U T H IL NP WAY HULFISH RD L HI L RS Florida Rock Site RD VO DA R ED H O U S E WY CL SOM E VE SO VE CUSHING E TR EY MA GR O G PA PIN RD B C AR CT YM HA A RK DR RD NEPTU N E ET A OLD CAROLIN VENUS CT 15 FN P R I NC E E LE G AF AN EL CATH AR K EY CL U LN Haymarket Site 1 N DL FORBES PL N LP EG E N D DR I LLS D R 66 GAP WAY J OC BE R A R T HU R H L N ST NE W R L W IT TON C L PL G H AM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G R OV E LN AN LN CART ERWO OD DR WAS HING TO Haymarket Site 2 S ST 66 LL HWY HEATHC OTE BL AVALON ISLE WAY JOR D T CL CHARLE JOH N MARSHA RS RD WAY SKIP TON ABB E H T TI OC RE C AN DAN EH U IN AY I HC O T R E D R E BL SH E R AM W SH GH HEAT NN EM O SLAT PE VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket PZ E AG CH L N GAINSFORD CT B R AN PINEY E RD CENTREVIL L QU AR CH RY ER RD RY ST MATH IS AVE ST EWEL L R QU AR LIBERTY ST RK SH R ALLWO OD CT ST OW ST IN HI LL EY PI EN TS D CK ET T T LN D T AN DR RD BY LN BR RT BA R PL DR N HO O E ST CL OV ER IR DR G E AV BE R DR FOS TE D ER ILL SV KE NO D EA N GODWIN DR PORT NER AVE EAR LY DY S E L DR PEAB O CT M AN R SIDE BU R N ST S RD DIGGE ROLLING RD BU T T ER NN BA N EW O D DR WO RD CT ES CR R DR Y M ANO SUD LE WY DS EL GT ON MA LN TOWN LN 1 RD LIN Y LE AG OR NE R EL D TU B UC K W PE RD RD ST ST T IL LE W EE IN TS N KI MC BR Figure 4-19: Hazardous Material Sites Potentail Hazardous Material & Contaminated Sites (see table for listing) S M DR IA LL PY G RA N 500ft Buffer Waterbody Roads 0 T AVE ILL D ER M AN A S Source: US Environmental Protection Agency 2,000 4,000 Feet VE MA OO T LS A ST ES VE TA YD H E E AV OL OG SC AV N 28 HN LN SO LI O NC R FE 1 Y W AN ER NT F JE 2 VI E IR T CH ED ST TS CE B ZE IN ES GR UR ST M ST CT IA S ILL EA LA W DL E UG O C O O D IN W PR AS 3 TE C W VE TA R ST T E LL R D ST AN E LE E AV CH E MANASSAS AV ST E LE LS 4 CEN TE R ST Y L WA COCKR CEN TE MA LE TT BA GR CT SB ST FA T ST ET MO AVE PARK TRE V TS Y RD C EN ES OD AL L LIVINGSTON RD W AB N EW Potential Station Locations PE STO RN Z IMBR O A ST ALMOND GA N RO BNEL AVE LN ST VE Legend VRE Haymarket Extension AS WI NO VINT HILL RD SV KE ERATE TR SO 2 Potential Park and Ride Sites 1 VI NT H IL L R D CON FED NELSO N L N NEL PAR K NN CT Y D Y R LE Y H LEE 66 SU D WY 29 H LEE Y WY CE H LEE H LEE EH Y LE IN HW Y H LEE PR 15 LEE 2 L HWY T DR AR SH AL PLA DS RD JOHN M CT ROBIN LY RD D CI IN VL TO N OD CT WINTERWO RL AN MERIT CT NG GA BL N VALLEY DE L LI CT D WE BO N D SR LEXINGTO FRE EDO M CENTER 12 RK PY FO WY I AM E FIV EN ILL 5 8 9 11 10 EW O ST EM Williams Site OS OD EH HL A RD HAYD EN RD EW T LN Wellington Road Site RD I NC T NC Vulcan Quarry Site B PR LE S 13 Branscome Paving Company 25 Larry F Terry SR T/A Bull Run Exxon 14 Eltex Chemical & Supply Co 26 Atlantic Research Corporation 15 Graphic Services Inc 27 Target Store #1873 16 Treasure Chest Advertising 28 Sunoco Service Station 17 Culbertson Co of Virginia 29 Suburban Propane Fleet Maint SUD LE LON GST RE ET D 18 Prince William County - Balls Y R D 30 Gainesville Exxon R T S 19 Randolph Ridge Industrial Park 31 Racetrac #312 S U D LE Y R T E R D AV T UA N ST 20 Chemung Contracting Corporation 32 Herndon Lumber & Millwork Inc TO TAYLO NG R ST HI S E HA Z Incorporated V 21 Betco Block And Products 33 Annandale Millwork Corporation E WA A AV RT D MA UA ST AR 22 Superior Paving Corp 34 Hard RockREGConcrete Limited LiabilityPLE Co. ST GLADSTONE ST IRV IN AU E G B ST 23 CRuppert Landscaping Co Inc T K BE A UR EG A RD M AS Northern Virginia Co Op AV E DA24 ST GO Sudley Manor Site 2 Sudley Manor Site 1 234 V IL A S HE W LE PY 6 7 ARTO ST RA DR R TA URY ST B W O OD SWEE TB RIAR AV E R TE D YGA CT FIN RUF TON MAL LO W KS SE TW DR L LR D Crane Co Morrow Mobil Oil Corp HU ON TownRCleaner DR Lockheed Martin Tactical Def Sys BAE RD SUDLEY Jackson High LE Y Stonewall RD SU D Vulcan Materials Company Apac Manassas And Apac Occoquan Virginia Concrete Company Incorporated Sunbelt Rentals, Inc OS Inc Apac Virginia EC T Williams Enterprises Incorporated SUN N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 29 D LI HA T ST CT TE R RO LI N OO D E HY TO N R SH L IN ER N U CT RK T ON CLA WA Y EL S OL D G TON R WEEMS RD IB Y RD GILLIS WAY OS PL H O AC M AN A MERCURY AV ILL EV BLE IGHT DR DR AUL S AI N TP RI TA G C AN Y GR ASH B WALNUT PARK LN JEFFERSON ST MADIS ON ST FAY ETT E ST HE TW E O VE LL S T LP S O N HW Y ADI ES M JAM Y HW ON DIS MA ES JAM HY ON DIS MA ES JAM Y HW ON DI S MA ES JAM 30 RI X BALLS FO RD RD HW WEL LIN DR 31 27 GATE WAY CENT NE LE HY ET LD G R RD L IN GT ON B RANCH DR S TO E LE ASH DR L ER WE L E LIM RH 21 DR ER L LE 20 HY E LE Gainesville Site 1 HY 26 23 22 25 24 I O RTH ITY B E LE A MB R RS IVE UN DR R OU R R D 19 Dominion Station Site Gainesville Site 2 D AW Y E LE HY LR GR HW E LE H AL PL E S C O VE RD A E LE 29 28 Y E LE RNE U NT HW AY O SC HE E BL C OT TH ON PL D ALE AR F EH AL L PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY AG SH WILL IA M PY NT T RIFIE PINEY B HER I T W SD L DR H C OT E BL C A CH I AM F ORD DR M ER A N CH LN AR L RO ILL TH W CT EW L HI L G 13 I NC IC D IN R 15 14 PR TR AP MC SW W ELLIN G S SING D R WH DE 17 18 CRO S EY M SD R LL IAM PK WY ET R AS S WY RS GG PR TE ED PRINC E WI NM GA NO AN RD Florida Rock Site RD JOH PO N D P R I NC E L WAY HULFISH RD RR NK N DO TO CUSHING NP R ED H O U S E N IN TUR C AR SO VE 16 CL SOM E VE DR RD A T CT YM HA E RK A OLD CAROLIN NEPTU N E EY MA GR O PA N VO DA B G VENUS CT 15 FN A L N U T H IL EA 32 AF DL E TR Haymarket Site 1 N LA GE PIN RD K EY CL U LN 34 FORBES PL N LP EG E N D DR I LLS D R 66 GAP WAY J OC CATH AR 33 BE R A R T HU R H L N ST NE W R L W IT TON C L PL G H AM EY COLLIN LP ST Y R U JAN SB M AC ON G R OV E LN AN LN CART ERWO OD DR WAS HING TO Haymarket Site 2 S ST 66 LL HWY HEATHC OTE BL AVALON ISLE WAY JOR D T CL CHARLE JOH N MARSHA RS RD WAY SKIP TON ABB E H T TI OC RE C AN DAN EH U IN AY I HC O T R E D R E BL SH E R AM W SH GH HEAT NN EM O SLAT PE VRE Service Extension to Gainesville - Haymarket 4.3 Station Location Recommendations The scoring referenced in Section 4.2 is summarized in Table 4-1. This summary table shows the rating each site received for each of the criterion in the evaluation framework. Scoring ranges from (1) one to (5) five, with (1) one indicating that the site does not perform well relative to the criterion and (5) five indicating that the site does perform well relative to the criterion (the evaluation framework for comparing sites is described in greater detail in Appendix D2). This evaluation was not used to select preferred station site alternatives in each of the three general station areas (Haymarket, Gainesville, and Sudley/Innovation), but rather to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each site. Completion of the evaluation process did identify two sites that should potentially be dropped from the list of potential alternatives as the project development process moves forward. The first of these sites is the Vulcan Quarry Site. This site performed poorly relative to the other sites in the evaluation scoring, predominantly because preliminary engineering analysis indicated that the site is very likely infeasible from an engineering perspective. While more detailed analysis could be completed in future stages of project development, the preliminary analysis indicates that this is a candidate for removal from the list of potential alternatives. The second candidate for removal is the Sudley/Innovation Site 2. This site has good access off Sudley Manor Drive, but it performed poorly because it is dominated by existing uses that would be expensive and time consuming to displace. Other sites around Sudley/Innovation Site 2 (Sudley/Innovation Site 1 and the Williams Industrial Site) have comparable access and do not have the same issues as Sudley/Innovation Site 2. A third potential site to be considered for removal is the Wellington Road Site. The site performed very well relative to environmental considerations, but it performed less well relative to accessibility issues and acquisition and displacement issues. With regard to accessibility, the site has relatively poor connections to the regional roadway network, making it relatively inaccessible to potential passengers arriving at the station via automobile. The site is also close to the Manassas Station, thus splitting the rider shed. With regard to acquisition and displacement issues, the site performed poorly because multiple properties would have to be assembled for a site large enough to accommodate a park and ride facility. Under this criterion, there would also be displacement of existing residential properties. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 80 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 5 Rail Infrastructure Assessment This new branch of service would diverge from the existing Manassas Line service just west of the existing Manassas Station at Manassas Junction (MP 33) on NS’s Piedmont Subdivision. It would extend northwesterly from Manassas Junction through Sudley Manor, Gainesville, and Haymarket, a distance of approximately 11 miles, along the NS B Line. Three potential station locations have been identified and evaluated as discussed in Chapter 4: Haymarket, Gainesville, and Sudley/Innovation. Overnight Existing NS B Line storage tracks would be located toward the end of the line. As previously discussed, equipment would be rotated through Broad Run to allow for every other day servicing of the equipment. The new facility at Gainesville or Haymarket would be for storage only. 5.1 Corridor Conditions Between Manassas Junction (MP B0) and Haymarket (MP B11), the NS B Line corridor has a single main line track. The right-of-way varies, but is generally 60 to 66 feet wide throughout the corridor. There are 15 at-grade crossings, 11 industrial tracks, a storage track at Manassas Junction, two small yards at Vulcan Materials and University Boulevard, and a runaround track between Lee Highway (US 29) and MP B9 located along the 11-mile segment from Manassas Junction to Haymarket. 5.2 Corridor Improvements The Commonwealth of Virginia has funded several improvements along the NS B Line. These improvements include passing sidings and signalization updates. These are either complete or near completion. The proposed improvements would build on these NS B Line projects. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 81 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 5.2.1 NS B Line Improvements NS plans to construct a new passing siding in Gainesville between Balls Ford Road (MP B5.8) and Wellington Road (MP B8.2). In 2008, NS installed a new wayside signal system along the B Line. 5.2.2 Proposed Improvements The general approach to the integration of commuter rail service along the 11mile NS B Line corridor between Manassas Junction and Haymarket can be summarized as follows: h h h The existing main line track, which is generally centered within the ROW, will remain “as is”. Minor adjustments to the alignment of the existing main line track will be considered to minimize and/or avoid environmental impacts, ROW acquisition, and/or excess need for retaining wall structures. A continuous second main line track will be constructed for the 11 mile length. The second main line track will be off-set to either the north (preferred) or south of the existing main line track as feasible. Appendix F shows the overall improvements to support the commuter rail service. The NS siding between Balls Ford Road and Wellington Road will be constructed prior to any potential improvements. The continuous second main line track would tie into this siding, thus lessening the amount of new track needed for the service expansion by Existing grade crossing on NS B Line approximately two miles. Turnouts installed as part of the siding project would need to be removed or incorporated as part of a universal crossover if warranted. Appendix G shows a proposed Schematic Layout of the proposed VRE extension. The Schematic Layout shows the existing NS B Line within the ROW corridor and the proposed VRE second main line track. 5.3 Design Criteria As part of the design development process, a basis for design to incorporate the proposed commuter rail service to Gainesville-Haymarket into the NS B Line \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 82 Final Report (Feasibility Study) corridor was established. This section provides a summary of the key design criteria that were used to establish the engineering feasibility and infrastructure cost of the service. The design criteria were used in the development of the conceptual design (5 to 10%) supporting the Alternatives Analysis (AA) and Feasibility Study (FS) processes. Should the proposed commuter rail service project be advanced for further consideration and analysis, theses design criteria along with the infrastructure cost estimates established as part of the AA and FS will be the basis of the future project development. Design of the railroad infrastructure shall conform to the requirements of the following standards, codes, and guidelines as applicable: h h h h American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), 2009 Manual for Railway Engineering Volumes 1 – 4 and Portfolio of Trackwork Plans. NS’s Criteria & Guidelines for Main Tracks and Detours NS’s memorandum regarding Passenger Station Requirements on NSowned corridors. NS’s Standard Specifications for Materials and Construction and the Special Provisions. The following key design criteria were established as the basis for the current Conceptual (5 – 10%) Design development. The complete Project Corridor Design Criteria is located is Appendix H. h h h h h h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 83 Design Standard: AREMA recommended practices except where Norfolk Southern standards supersede. Design Typical Section: Minimum of 12 inches of ballast under ties and 12 inches of sub-ballast (Attachment No. 01 in Appendix H). Ruling Grade: No change to ruling grade over the section of the NS B Line from Manassas (MP B0.0) to Haymarket (MP B11). ¾ At Stations: Inter-track fences will be provided at all commuter rail stations between the two main line tracks running at least the length of the platforms. The top of this fence will be no higher than 3’ 6” above the Top of Rail. Track Centers: Main Line track centers are as follows: ¾ Outside of Station Areas: In tangent sections of alignment, the track centers will be 14 feet as shown on NS Plan 1-19 (Attachment No. 01 in Appendix H). ¾ Curved Alignment: These minimum clearances shall be increased along the curved sections of track by 3.5 inches per inch of the super elevation difference between tracks, plus 1.5 inches per degree of curvature. Horizontal Curves: Designs based on chord definition of curvature. Spiral length shall be based on both freight and passenger operating speeds. Vertical Curves: Lengths based on freight and passenger speed as in AFREMA Recommended Practice Chapter 5, Section 3.6. Final Report (Feasibility Study) h h h h h h h h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 84 Vertical/horizontal clearance: Per Norfolk Southern Plan 7-1 Clearance for Tracks Located on Industrial Property (Attachment No. 02 in Appendix H). Track Construction: Track will be Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) with wood ties. All mainline tracks will be used for both freight and commuter rail operations. Main Line Turnouts: No. 20 turnouts with 39’ curved switch points or No. 15 turnouts with 30’ switch points depending on the selected design speed. The assumed diverge/merge maximum operating speed through the turnouts is 45 mph for passenger trains and 30 mph for freight trains (assuming Eu = 3” for passenger trains and Eu = 1.0” for freights) for No. 20 turnouts and 30 mph passenger and 15 mph freight for No. 16 equilateral turnouts. ¾ For two turnouts in the same track diverging in opposite directions, thereby creating a reverse curve situation, it will be necessary to provide preferably 100 feet but a minimum of 70 feet between the points of switches of the two turnouts. ¾ Main track turnouts must not be located on horizontal curves or spirals and must be placed at least a 100’ beyond the end of the spiral. ¾ Main track turnouts shall not be located on vertical curves. Universal Crossovers: The most likely locations for universal crossovers will be at the southern end of the B Line in the vicinity of Manassas Junction and between the stations as determined by an operational analysis. Industrial/Storage Turnouts/Sidings: No. 10 turnouts or larger will be used on main tracks for all industrial/storage sidings. Industrial/storage sidings will be entirely separate from the mainline track. Commuter Rail Station Platforms: The commuter rail platform design criteria are as follows: ¾ All platforms will be low level boarding. ¾ Height of platform will not exceed 8 inches above top of rail. ¾ Horizontal clearance from the center line of the main line track to the front face of the platform will be 5 ft – 2 inches. ¾ The platforms will be 650 feet in length. ¾ The desirable width of side platforms is 16 feet while a minimum of 12 feet may be considered if site conditions dictate. All access between platforms will be accommodated using a cross-track pedestrian bridge or tunnel. ¾ Canopies shall be located a minimum of 9 feet from the center of track (tangent). Side clearance shall be increased by 1.5 inches per degree of curvature. ¾ Canopies shall have gutters on the track side or be sloped away from the track. Signal System: The recently installed signal system through this corridor will be modified to accommodate the second main line track. Crossing Protection: All at-grade crossings will be protected as they are on the existing track. Modifications related to the VRE expansion will be Final Report (Feasibility Study) h h 5.4 limited to relocating signal equipment and upgrading the existing operations system for the additional track. Design Speed: The current maximum operating speed along the B Line between Manassas Junction and MP 11.0 for freight traffic ranges from 15 to 45 MPH. The 15 MPH segment is located at Manassas Junction between MP B0 and MP B1. The track speed increases to 25 MPH between MP B1 and B2.5. Throughout the remainder of the corridor, the track speed is 45 MPH except for one area where curves restrict the speed to 35 MPH (MP B3.2 to B4.9) and 40 MPH between MP B8.5 and B9.3. Based on the maximum operating speeds permitted today, NS maintains the track to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Class 4 standards (60 MPH maximum allowable operating speed for freight trains and 80 MPH for passenger trains). NS is planning an increase to a 50 mile per hour (mph) operating speed in the near future for freight operations, with some modifications to the existing super-elevation. This planned increase in operating speed would still be within FRA’s Class 4 requirements. The commuter rail design speed of 60 mph will be compatible with Class 4 track. Even with the planned increases in allowable operating speeds, track geometry and operational analyses will determine the ultimate operating speeds. The design geometry should be set for maximum FRA Class 4 speeds, 80 mph passenger and 60mph freight trains. The spiral lengths for the higher speeds can be set when the second track is constructed, but the super elevation should be built for today’s operating speeds. When NS or VRE implements speed increases, then the super elevation can easily be set for the higher speeds since the proper length spirals will already be inplace. Rail Infrastructure Needs Rail infrastructure needs vary based upon the selected approach to the service: Implementation of the minimum operating segment, a phased approach, or a full build-out from Manassas to Haymarket. Infrastructure improvements common to all three of these build options include: Building a second mainline track parallel to the existing NS B Line track, with variations as needed to accommodate the selected design speed. This second track would have the following components: ¾ Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) with wood ties ¾ Approximately 11 turnouts ¾ Approximately 2 or 3 universal crossovers ¾ Suitable for freight and commuter rail use ¾ Upgraded crossings and signaling systems designed in accordance with NS’s recent signalization upgrades and a Positive Train Control system. h Right-of-way acquisition along some portions of the corridor to accommodate this second track. h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 85 Final Report (Feasibility Study) h One storage yard along the alignment near the end of the line. Note: As noted in Section 3.4.5.1, it is possible to relocate portions of the existing mainline track and accommodate two tracks within the existing right-of-way. This option would require negotiations with Norfolk Southern and a more detailed determination of the most appropriate places along the corridor to do this. It also may require the addition of retaining walls and other structural modifications in order to accommodate two tracks within the existing right-ofway. Infrastructure improvements that vary according to where the end of the line is (phased approach) and operating frequency include: h Length of the second track. ¾ If a full build-out to Haymarket is implemented, the second track would be about eleven miles long including NS’s planned two-mile siding in Gainesville. ¾ If a MOS or phased approach is implemented to Gainesville, the initial phase segment of the second track would be about eight miles long, depending on the exact location of the Gainesville Station. The length of the track would include NS’s planned two-mile siding, thus reducing the new track construction requirement to approximately six miles. h Number of stations. These stations would include low level platforms, elevators, fare collection equipment, and parking facilities. ¾ If a full build-out to Haymarket is implemented, it is recommended that three stations (Sudley/Innovation, Gainesville, and Haymarket) be constructed. ¾ If a phased approach is implemented, there are two possible options regarding the number of stations that would be constructed in the initial phase: ¾ Two stations-one in Sudley/Innovation and one in Gainesville ¾ One station-Gainesville h The MOS would include one new station in Gainesville. A typical section of the proposed rail corridor improvements is shown in Figure 5-1. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 86 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Figure 5-1 5.5 Other Infrastructure Needs Other improvements include parking expansions as needed at the existing Manassas Line stations to accommodate the increase in ridership. There are several grade separations that have been identified as being critical to the Gainesville-Haymarket extension. These include the US 29/Linton Hall Road interchange and the Route 28/Wellington Road interchange. Both of these projects are VDOT initiatives with which this project would need to coordinate. 5.6 Environmental Considerations As part of the Gainesville-Haymarket Alternatives Analysis, a qualitative assessment of potential environmental effects was conducted to determine the potential effects of extension options. Physical impacts may exist along the B Line where acquisition is necessary. Areas considered include: land use, environmental justice communities, known historic and archaeological sites, publicly owned parklands, surface waters, floodplains, wetlands, soils (focus on prime and/or unique farmlands), and known hazardous/contaminated sites as listed by the Environmental Protection Agency. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc h One potentially significant archaeological site was identified in the Gainesville area south of the NS B Line. No other known sites were identified within the NS B Line corridor. h Several streams traverse the NS B Line, many of which have designated floodplains associated with them. A large floodplain area was identified along the southern side of the NS B Line west of the intersection with US 29 to just past US 15 in Haymarket. Wetland areas were also identified along the corridor. Large wetland areas were identified in the vicinity of Sudley Manor Drive, along I-66 where the NS B Line parallels the interstate, and west of Route 29 along the southern side of the NS B Line. Portions of these streams, floodplains, and wetlands are adjacent to Resource Protection Areas, which are protected under the Chesapeake Bay Act. These would need to be evaluated further in the next phase of the project. h For wetlands and floodplains, the linear feet along the NS B Line were calculated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Two scenarios are presented: linear feet of wetlands and floodplains between Manassas and Haymarket; and linear feet of wetlands and floodplains between Manassas and Gainesville. Table 5-1 provides these calculations. 88 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Table 5-1: Linear Feet of Wetlands and Floodplains Identified Along the Rail Line Alignment Manassas to Haymarket Manassas to Gainesville (to Route 29) Length of Alignment (in Feet) Wetlands Linear Feet 56,530 2,740 4.85% 7,270 12.86% 41,730 1,740 4.17% 300 0.72% Percentage of Alignment Floodplains Linear Feet Percentage of Alignment Based on the linear feet calculated, an alignment between Manassas and Gainesville would have the potential to impact considerably fewer wetland and floodplain areas. h Based on the environmental factors indicated, potential impacts to water resources, such as floodplains and wetlands, are the greatest concern. Along the NS B Line west of US 29, large areas of wetlands and floodplains have been identified. Impacts to these resources may occur from land disturbing activities, such as acquiring additional right-of-way to construct a second track, or the provision of stations and park and ride lots. Impacts to these resources would require agency coordination, environmental permitting, and mitigation. Impacting these resources could impact project schedule and costs. As such, an extension that ends in the Gainesville area would be favorable to avoid potentially significant impacts to the water resources identified. h Several potentially contaminated sites or hazardous waste generators were identified along the NS B Line. The greatest concentration of these sites was noted in the vicinity of the US 29 grade crossing. Preliminary quantitative noise and vibration screening analyses were also performed in the Alternatives Analysis. The exact number of potentially affected sites depends on the specific land use and number of buildings located near the alignments. Extension options with the greatest number of trains in use and the most frequent service on the corridor would likely have the most impacts. A greater amount of ambient noise can be observed in Gainesville versus Haymarket as a result of denser and more commercial development. Haymarket has less ambient noise and more residential development. Impacts would be more apparent with an alignment that extends all the way to Haymarket than one that ends in Gainesville. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 89 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 5.7 Train Storage Requirements As previously discussed in Section 2.5, the existing Manassas Line service is staged from an overnight storage facility located at Broad Run Station. This facility, which will soon be expanded to include heavy maintenance and repair functions, can store 62 units (one unit equals either one coach or one locomotive). When the expansion project is complete, the yard will be capable of storing 67 units. The current Manassas Line service utilizes five sets of equipment (four six car trains and one eight car train), totaling 37 units. The proposed extension of service to Gainesville/Haymarket would require additional sets of equipment. Since the new service would be located along the NS B Line, and the potential terminal stations are between eight and 11 miles northwest of Manassas (11 to 14 miles from Broad Run), an overnight storage facility for the new sets of equipment at or near the Gainesville/Haymarket terminal would reduce deadhead train miles. A separate storage facility for the proposed service would also reduce potential conflicts with NS operations and facilitate a more reliable service. This train storage facility would be for the parking of trains only; the maintenance, repairs, and cleaning of these train sets would still take place at the Broad Run Yard. This would be accomplished by rotating the fleet on a regular basis. 5.7.1 Storage Options The size/type of facility that would be necessary varies by the level of service that would be provided. It is anticipated that the MOS and Phased Approach option would need storage capacity for two train sets (two six car trains; up to 14 units). The Full Build-Out constrained options (Split Service Constrained, and Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle) would need storage capacity for a minimum of three train sets (24 units) to six train sets (36 units). The unconstrained option could exceed the 36 units depending on the level of service ultimately offered. For planning purposes, the Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle was assumed as the maximum storage need [36 units – 3 full sets (2-6 and 1-8 car set) and 3 shuttle sets (3-3 car sets)]. The minimum facility size would be 14 units (two six car trains). Ideally, any storage facility that is constructed would have expansion capabilities for the future. The train storage facility options include the following: h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 90 No facility: This option would utilize the existing Broad Run Yard for overnight storage and deadhead (run trains empty in non-revenue service) between Broad Run Yard and the first station of revenue service. This option might be sufficient in the short term for the MOS or the first stage of the phased approach but is not recommended as a long term solution. The principle drawbacks are the limited capacity of the Broad Run facility, the lack of room for expansion, and the additional cost of deadheading trains Final Report (Feasibility Study) between overnight storage at Broad Run Yard and the start of revenue service in the Gainesville-Haymarket area. 5.7.2 h Siding only: With the MOS and Phased Approach options, a storage siding could be constructed in lieu of a full storage yard. This siding would need to hold at least two train sets (14 units). It would also need to be a doubleended siding so that a parked train is not trapped behind a disabled train. This single siding would need to be approximately 1,200 feet in length. Figure 5-2 conceptually illustrates the single track facility. h Full storage yard: With the Full Build-Out option, a full storage yard would need to be constructed. This yard should be located as close as possible to the terminal station to avoid time and capacity-consuming deadhead moves to and from an alternate location. For the Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle option, the storage need would be 36 units in six sets of equipment [3 full sets (2-6 and 1-8 car set) and 3 shuttle sets (3-3 car sets)]. There would need to be three tracks approximately 800 feet in length and three tracks approximately 350 feet in length. There should be at least one “empty” track to accommodate moves within the yard. Figure 5-2 conceptually illustrates a typical layout of the seven track facility. Potential Sites for a Storage Yard The siting of a storage yard will be challenging. There are several factors to consider including the size of the facility, the potential operational impacts on the NS B Line as well as the proposed service, finding a location with compatible surrounding land uses, and environmental resources. From an operational perspective, the facility should be as close to the terminal station as practicable. It also needs to be in a location that minimizes potential operational impacts on the NS B Line. The operation of the facility should be self contained; any yard equipment moves/shifts should not go past the limits of the yard unless absolutely necessary. The facility should be located in an area where the impact of idling diesel engines and/or the starting up of diesel engines in the early morning hours does not impact abutters. It should also be located to minimize potential impacts on environmental resources. A factor worth considering is the close proximity of the general Gainesville Station site area to the Haymarket Station site area (approximately three miles). Given the possibility of an initial MOS or phased approach, a facility located in Gainesville may be able to facilitate both the initial as well as the long-term needs of the proposed service. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 91 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Three potential site locations were identified in the Gainesville-Haymarket Implementation Plan. These sites include Balls Ford Road, Haymarket, and the Vulcan Quarry. A list of potential sites, some within the general locations identified in the Implementation Plan, as well as potential sites located during site reconnaissance and through preliminary environmental analyses, was established. This list was intended to be inclusive of sites that could potentially serve as a station and park and ride lot (as discussed in Chapter 4) and/or a storage yard. End of Line Sites: h Haymarket Site 1 h Haymarket Site 2 Mid-Corridor Sites: Gainesville Site 1 h Dominion Station h Gainesville Site 2 h Florida Rock h Sudley/Innovation Site 1 h Sudley/Innovation Site 2 h Williams h Vulcan Quarry h Wellington Road h Of these potential sites, there are a few that present unique challenges in accommodating storage yards. Table 5-2 identifies the operational and environmental/land use challenges associated with each potential site. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 93 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Table 5-2 Challenges Associated with Potential Storage Yard Sites Potential Site Miles from Haymarket Miles from Broad Run Operational Challenges Environmental/Land Use Challenges Haymarket Site 1 0 13 -Not feasible. -May impact water resources, including RPAs, floodplains and wetlands. -May impact soils and wildlife habitat. Haymarket Site 2 0 13 -None observed. -May impact water resources. -May impact soils and wildlife habitat. Gainesville Site 1 3 10 -Cannot accommodate storage yard without sharp turn in and out of site. -May impact water resources. -May impact historic resources. -May impact soils. -May have contamination from prior site use. Dominion Station 3 10 -None observed. -May impact wildlife habitat. -May impact soils. Gainesville Site 2 3 10 -None observed, but site is far from the end of the line. -May impact water resources. -May impact historic resources. -May impact soils. -May have contamination from prior site use. Florida Rock -Cannot accommodate storage yard without sharp turn in and out of site. -May impact water resources. -May impact archaeological resources. Sudley/Innovation Site 1 -Curved track frontage may present additional challenges when locating turnouts and site is far from the end of the line. -May impact water resources. -May impact minority/low-income populations. -May impact soils and wildlife habitat. Sudley/Innovation Site 2 -None observed, but site is far from the end of the line. -May impact water resources. -May impact minority/low-income populations. Williams Site -Short, curved track frontage may make it difficult to fit the ladder and track lengths, as well as locate turnouts. -May impact water resources. -May impact archaeological resources. Vulcan Quarry -None observed. -May impact water resources. -May impact minority/low-income populations. -May contain hazardous materials. -Not compatible with existing Land Use (Agricultural Zoning A-1) \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 94 Final Report (Feasibility Study) Table 5-2 Challenges Associated with Potential Storage Yard Sites Cont’d. Potential Site Miles from Haymarket Wellington Road Miles from Broad Run Operational Challenges Environmental/Land Use Challenges -Site close to existing Broad Run Yard. Increased deadhead miles. -May impact minority/low-income populations. -May impact soils and wildlife habitat. In terms of environmental/land use considerations, the most suitable sites include Haymarket Site 2, Florida Rock Site, Sudley/Innovation Site 1, Sudley/Innovation Site 2, Williams Site, and Wellington Road Site. In terms of operational considerations, the most suitable sites include Haymarket Site 2 and Dominion Station. Gainesville Site 2 also shows potential as a storage yard site, but it is farther from the end of the line. Haymarket Site 1, Gainesville Site 1, the Florida Rock Site, Sudley/Innovation Site 1, the Williams Site, the Vulcan Quarry Site, and the Wellington Road Site may be removed from consideration based upon operating constraints. From a location perspective, the Haymarket and Gainesville sites are the most favorable. Based on the factors considered, the overall recommendation would be to initially consider the following sites for the Full Build-Out storage facility: • Haymarket Site 2 • Dominion Station Given the layout requirements of the Full Build-Out storage facility, it is likely that these sites may be able to accommodate the storage yard, as well as the station and park and ride facility. Figure 5-3 shows the conceptual layout plan for the storage yard at Haymarket Site 2. Figure 5-4 shows the conceptual layout plan for the storage yard at the Dominion Station Site. For the Dominion Station Site layout, if the storage yard is moved to the back side of the property, it is likely that a station could also be located at this site. The concept of a single storage track for the MOS and Phase Approach options could probably be incorporated into the Gainesville Site 1, Dominion Station, and Gainesville Site 2 station locations. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 95 Final Report (Feasibility Study) This Page Left Blank Intentionally. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 98 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 6 Findings Ridership projections demonstrate that a Gainesville-Haymarket extension would attract additional riders to VRE service from the region. The extension would add needed capacity and choice to the corridor. The GainesvilleHaymarket extension has the potential to generate daily trips in the range of 1,000 to 5,000 per day, based on the projections developed for this Feasibility Study and the earlier Strategic Plan. 6.1 Terminus Preliminary environmental assessments demonstrate that an end of line station in Gainesville is more favorable for the extension than an end of line station in Haymarket. This is a result of potential water resources impacts along the south side of the NS B Line west of US 29, particularly if the right-of-way must be expanded, as well as the potential for greater noise and vibration impacts. The environmental review also demonstrates that Sudley/Innovation would be a difficult location to site a station due to a significant number of wetland resources in the vicinity of Sudley. Ridership forecasts suggest that there is a relatively small difference in daily boardings between a Haymarket and Gainesville terminus. With Gainesville as the terminus for the Gainesville-Haymarket extension, the cost range of alternatives drops approximately $25 M. Terminating in Gainesville reduces costs for the station development, land acquisition, and track construction. 6.2 Comparison of Extension Options The advantages and disadvantages of pursuing each of the extension options (Minimum Operating Segment, Phased Approach, or a Full Build-Out) are summarized in Table 6-1. The Phased Approach and Full Build-Out can be implemented as constrained (within the overall system capacity constraint) or \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 99 Final Report (Feasibility Study) unconstrained (assuming negotiations with CSX to overcome the 40 trains per day maximum). Table 6-1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Extension Options Options Minimum Operating Segment (MOS) Summary A new service branch between Gainesville and Manassas provided while keeping the existing Manassas Line service frequency. Advantages - Lowest Cost - No additional vehicles needed - Does not exceed 40 trains per day maximum Disadvantages - Lowest Service Coverage - Lowest Ridership - Limited Service Frequency - Lowest Fare Revenue Recovery Phased Approach Two Stations – Gainesville and Sudley/Innovation* Full Build-Out Split Service Unconstrained (1A) A new service branch to Gainesville (two stations) with modifications to existing Manassas Line service. A new branch to Haymarket overlaying the existing service on the VRE Manassas Line, keeping the existing Manassas Line service frequency and exceeding VRE’s capacity constraint. - Does not exceed 40 trains per day maximum -Some New Equipment Needs - Limited Service Coverage - Greatest Service Coverage - Highest Service Frequency between G-H and DC Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained (1B) A new branch to Haymarket overlaying the existing service on the VRE Manassas Line, modifying the existing Manassas Line service frequency, but working within VRE’s capacity constraint. A new branch to Haymarket overlaying the existing service on the VRE Manassas Line and a new rail shuttle service between Haymarket and Alexandria, modifying the existing Manassas Line service frequency, but working within VRE’s capacity constraint. - Does not exceed 40 trains per day maximum - Great Service Coverage - Exceeds 40 train per day maximum with associated Implementation Challenges - High Costs - High Quantity of New Equipment Needs - Additional capacity improvements on CSX and improvements at the Alexandria Station may be required -Some New Equipment Needs Full Build-Out Split Service Constrained Plus Rail Shuttle (1C) - Highest Ridership - Great Service Coverage - Highest Fare Revenue Recovery - Frequent Shuttle Service between G-H and Alexandria - Does not exceed 40 trains per day maximum - High Costs - Highest Quantity of New Equipment Needs - Additional capacity improvements on CSX and improvements at the Alexandria Station may be required * Note: This would be the first phase of the Phase Approach Option. The second phase would be the Full Build-Out option to Haymarket. 6.3 Conclusions There are a few general conclusions that can be made regarding the overall evaluation of the extension. h Options with greater frequency (i.e. unconstrained) will demonstrate the highest ridership. This is because the model is very sensitive to service frequency. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 100 Final Report (Feasibility Study) h h h h Options with greater frequency will have higher capital and O&M costs due to the need for more equipment and the increased train miles. Since options with greater frequency yield the highest ridership numbers, these options also yield the greatest revenue from fare collection. All extension options utilize the NS B Line and require coordination and negotiation with NS regarding required right-of-way. All of these options require the construction of a second track and must adhere to the design of NS’s Passenger Rail Design Criteria (covered in Section 5.3). Options that are unconstrained (i.e. exceed the allocation of 40 trains per day maximum between NS mile 9.12 and Washington DC) require coordination and negotiation with CSX. Options that propose a rail shuttle service to avoid most of the stretch of track that is subject to the capacity constraint still require coordination and negotiation with CSX, since approximately one mile of the constrained track is included in the rail shuttle route. Additionally, platform improvements are needed at Alexandria Station. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 101 Final Report (Feasibility Study) This Page Left Blank Intentionally. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 102 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 7 Implementation To move forward, decisions need to be made regarding the appropriate terminus of the extension and the operating plan of choice (i.e. constrained or unconstrained and with or without rail shuttle). VRE has the option to implement the minimum operating segment to simply begin service along the corridor or to pursue more detailed studies and seek federal funding for the extension or to pursue both of these options. The Feasibility Study has determined that the most suitable terminus for the extension at this time (Gainesville), as well as the most appropriate operating plans depending on the level of funding (minimum operating segment to phased approach to full buildout). If VRE desires to exceed the 40 trains per day maximum that is set forth in the agreement with CSX, then additional research needs to be done to determine modifications necessary to achieve this, including negotiations with CSX and the identification of the anticipated costs. If VRE does not want to exceed the 40 trains per day maximum, then the options remaining are to offer split service along the Manassas Line between Union Station/Broad Run and Union Station/Gainesville-Haymarket or to offer split service coupled with a rail shuttle. Implementation steps for the Gainesville-Haymarket extension will vary depending on the selected funding source. The first step in implementation would therefore be to choose a funding path to work towards. 7.1 Funding Sources Potential funding sources include: h FTA grant through either the New Start or Small Starts programs h Virginia Rail Enhancement Fund (REF) grant h FTA or state earmarks (Federal earmarks would require compliance with FTA program requirements) \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 103 Final Report (Feasibility Study) h h h h h h h Local jurisdiction funding Dedicated funding sources such as local or state taxes Partnering with private freight rail owner (NS) Other private partners (developers/land owners financing of stations, public-private partnerships and/or proffers) Sale-Leaseback transactions Developers/land owners financing of stations Tax increment financing or other alternative financing techniques Under any of the funding scenarios considered, there would also be the potential to solicit private foundation contributions to support construction of the station and/or associated parking. There is also an opportunity to fully utilize statefunded rail improvements (through DRPT) on the Norfolk Southern Crescent Corridor as outlined in the DRAFT Virginia Statewide Rail Plan. This plan states that there are 39 individual projects identified in Virginia on the Crescent Corridor that will primarily expand single mainline tracks to double tracks, add passing sidings, and expand passing sidings. Some of these projects provide dual benefits to improve passenger and freight rail. 7.1.1 Federal Funding Federal funding is generally considered to be the most stringent funding path. There is one primary source of federal funds for major capital investment transit projects – the FTA’s New Starts Program. This program is highly competitive with projects across the country competing for a limited pool of funding. FTA has developed a process to evaluate applications received for funding. The process, which has nine different areas of assessment, consists of two overriding criteria: user benefits and cost effectiveness. Based on the nine areas of evaluation, FTA assigns a rating designating a project’s eligibility for funding. The ratings are: High; Medium High; Medium; Medium Low; and Low. A project general needs to achieve a Medium rating to qualify for federal funds through the New Starts Program. The initial assessment of user benefit conducted as part of the Alternatives Analysis suggests that the GainesvilleHaymarket extension would likely be in the Medium Low to Low range, making funding through the New Starts Program unlikely. It is possible that adjustments to the travel demand forecasting process and a refinement of the cost estimates may improve the rating. At this point however, New Starts Program funding appears unlikely. FTA now administers a second program called Small Starts. This program is for projects with a total capital cost of under $250 million. One advantage of the Small Starts Program is that FTA relaxes some of the more stringent modeling requirements, allowing more flexibility in how the forecasts are prepared. An initial assessment of the Gainesville-Haymarket extension with respect to the Small Starts Program criteria indicates that the ratings could improve to Medium \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 104 Final Report (Feasibility Study) or better. One disadvantage to a Small Starts application is that the federal share is limited to $75 million of the total cost. In the New Starts Program, the federal share can range up to 80 percent of the total cost. There a few other limited federal funding programs that could potentially provide a small portion of the funds needed. These programs include congestion mitigation and air quality (CMAQ), grade crossing enhancements, and fixed guideway modernization (a formula based program). 7.1.2 State Funding The primary source of state funding would be through the Rail Enhancement Fund (REF). The Commonwealth has already invested in the NS B Line corridor using monies from the REF. This program is a competitive process that uses a cost benefit analysis approach developed by DRPT. Other state options include a budget line item appropriation or dedicated funding source being created. 7.1.3 Local Funding/Other Funding Sources There are also a few other sources funding that could be available for the project through taxation districts, partnership contributions, tax increment financing (TIF) or other revenues streams. Special Transportation, Benefits Assessment, and Taxation Districts Virginia statutes permit several types of districts to be formed with the potential for generating revenues to repay the initial capital investment or to fund ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the service and facilities. Some areas have created special assessment districts around transit stations. Transit projects can create returns through generating new economic development around transit stations that is focused on the transit system and its customer base. Partnership Contributions Private and non-profit partners may have their own revenue sources that can be used to build portions of the transit project. Virginia has a proffer system under which developers negotiate voluntary contributions to local infrastructure via either (1) any money voluntarily proffered in writing signed by the owner of property subject to rezoning, and accepted by a locality pursuant to the authority granted by §15.2-2298 or §15.2-2303 of the Code of Virginia; or (2) any payment of money made pursuant to a development agreement entered into under the authority granted by §15.2-2303.1 of the Code of Virginia. This is another potential funding opportunity for VRE. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is encouraged around transit stations, and this could be a funding source for VRE if the development is conducted in a manner to be beneficial to both the private \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 105 Final Report (Feasibility Study) investor and VRE. There has been some initial interest expressed to VRE by developers to establish a proffer agreement with the local jurisdiction. Such a proffer agreement could fund as much as: h h h h h h h h Land acquisition Permanent easements for public access Construction of public access across private land, through private facilities, or from private facilities down to the platform Elevators from the private facility down to the platform Construction of the station Associated parking, roadway and access improvements Utility relocation or consolidation Pedestrian improvements and landscaping This would substantially reduce VRE’s capital costs associated with the implementation of the extension and would provide the private investor with strong transit access for the development. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) TIFs are often called “public-private partnerships” because they rely on public action to stimulate private investment. TIFs fund projects through the issuance of bonds that pay for acquisition, demolition, and infrastructure costs associated with redevelopment. Generally, a public investment is made on a blighted area that demonstrates potential as a private investment once the basic infrastructure needs are met. Property taxes increase over time after the private development occurs, and this change in taxes, or tax increment, is used to retire bonds that were sold to initially fund the public investment. 7.2 Implementation Steps for Pursuit of Federal Funding There are many steps to implementing a new commuter rail service. These steps include: h h h h h h h \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 106 Develop the concept and determine feasibility (Complete) Conduct an Alternatives Analysis (Complete) Complete an Environmental Assessment (EA); select the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA); and incorporate into Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) (Underway) Negotiate Railroad Agreements, Insurance Program, and Operating Contract with NS and CSX (if needed) Enlist public involvement (Underway) Develop the Financial Plan Preliminary Engineering Final Report (Feasibility Study) h h h h h h h h h 7.3 Selection of Rolling Stock Selection of zones and fare structure Station locations and design Acquisition of right-of-way Final Design Full-Funding Grant Agreement with FTA Bidding process Construction and procurement Testing and start-up Environmental Review Regardless of funding sources, the Gainesville-Haymarket extension will need to complete the state environmental review process. The federal environmental review process will also need to be addressed if a federal permit or action is required and/or federal funds are sought. In both cases, preliminary engineering (30% plan development) would need to be undertaken to support the completion of the environmental review for the LPA. 7.3.1 State Review Under the state review process, a joint permit application from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) would be required for any land disturbing activities affecting waters along the corridor. Applying for a joint permit application has several requirements that include establishing the limits of jurisdictional wetlands with the USACE, compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and an element of public involvement. This is required under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. It should be noted that if the project goes through the NEPA process, permitting under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act would apply. There are provisions that allow the Section 404 process and NEPA to be integrated. The Commonwealth of Virginia also requires an assessment of potential environmental impacts for state funded projects. This evaluation is coordinated through the (VDEQ). Based on the Virginia Code Sections 10.1-1188 et seq., state agencies are required to prepare and submit environmental impact reports for construction of facilities that cost $500,000 and land acquisitions for construction, to include leases and expansions of facilities. Coordination with VDEQ would be required determining if the proposed action meets the criteria established for environmental impact reporting of state projects. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 107 Final Report (Feasibility Study) 7.3.2 Federal Review If any Federal Permits or Actions are required, the project will follow the NEPA process. Depending on activities planned, this could be in the form of a Categorical Exclusion, Environmental Assessment, or an Environmental Impact Statement. Since any of the proposed Build Alternatives would share the track with existing freight rail (NS), it is likely that both the FTA and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) would be involved. Coordination with the FTA and FRA would be required to determine the appropriate level of NEPA documentation. 7.4 Project Delivery Mechanisms Design-build has become increasingly popular for the delivery of public sector transportation projects. In this process, a project is designed to about the 30 percent level of completeness (preliminary engineering). The project then is advertised for design-build. The selected contractor is responsible for completing the design and constructing the project. The advantage of the design-build process is time saved from inception to completion. The time savings are assumed to result in cost savings since it takes less time to construct the project. Design-Build is not for every project; the merits of this approach would need to be carefully considered. \\mabos\projects\10512.00\reports\feasibility study\vre_feasibility_study_09_25_2009.doc 108 Final Report (Feasibility Study)