Houston Metro delays LRT launches
Written by Douglas John BowenContinuing and mounting delays have forced Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Metro) from adding two new light rail transit lines to Houston's growing system.
Metro now says it hopes to get both lines launched next year. Last summer, Metro expected to open the lines this December, in keeping with a revamped but longstanding goal of startup in 2014.
Metro Chairman Gilbert Garcia told local media, “It is disappointing, but it is more important to get it done right than stick to the 2014 timetable.”
One recent setback has been a construction mistake that severed a chilled water line under Metro’s new section of track south of Minute Maid Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros. A large portion of roadway, rail right-of-way, and communications require repair, upending any on-time opening involving the Green Line and Purple Line LRT.
Previous delays have involved vehicle delivery from CAF USA’s Elmira Heights, N.Y., plant, though officials stress the manufacturer has been reliably delivering light rail vehicles in recent months.
