SEPTA Advancing King of Prussia Rail Extension

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Five stations are planned for SEPTA’s 3.5-mile King of Prussia rail extension, including the First and Moore/Valley Forge Station (rendering above).

Five stations are planned for SEPTA’s 3.5-mile King of Prussia rail extension, including the First and Moore/Valley Forge Station (rendering above).

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision (FEIS/ROD) permitting Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to continue design and construction of the 3.5-mile, five-station King of Prussia (Pa.) Rail extension of the Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL).

The FEIS evaluates the environmental, transportation, social and economic benefits and impacts of the project, including a Preferred Alternative and No Action Alternative. With Phase 1 of preliminary engineering now complete (15% of the design), Phase 2 work will continue to approximately 30% of the design. SEPTA will also develop a project management plan, financial plan and project delivery schedule—requirements for federal funding. SEPTA is seeking up to 50% from New Starts, FTA’s Capital Investment Grant program. The project is estimated to cost $2.08 billion in 2025 dollars (mid-point of construction); annual operations and maintenance are estimated to cost $10.87 million in 2019 dollars.

SEPTA completed a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in 2017, and released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to advance engineering work in 2018.

In December, the agency received a $360,000 grant through FTA’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning.  

FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams

“Once completed, SEPTA’s King of Prussia rail extension will address a critical need in southeastern Pennsylvania’s transportation system, connecting Center City, University City and King of Prussia—three of the largest employment centers in the region,” FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams said.

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