November 15, 1997 ARPA Annual Meeting
Joe Neblett of the Arizona Department of Transportation presented the Status of the High Speed Rail Study to our 1997 Annual meeting. ADOT is conducting a high speed rail feasibility study to develop long-range transportation alternatives for the I-10 corridor between Phoenix and Tucson. The study, started in July, is expected to run through March '98.
According to a brochure Mr. Neblett distributed, "As population and employment in the Phoenix-Tucson corridor continue to increase between now and 2020, the transportation infrastructure, with heavy congestion in many areas, will reach capacity unless significant improvements are made." Without these improvements, expect "increased congestion, slower travels speeds, increases in accidents, and a worsening of air quality and the fragile desert-oriented quality of life."
The study is evaluating several options:
Mr. Neblett invites all Citizens to send their comments to him at:
Joe Neblett, ADOT 206 S. 17th Ave, Room 330-B Phoenix, AZ 85007.
You may also call 602/255-8871 or fax 602/256-7563.
Maps of potential routes, and pictures of example equipment, were displayed at the meeting.
ADOT has emphasized that the input of ARPA and its members is desired in this study.
The High Speed Rail Study is being conducted by ADOT with the help of a Task Force appointed by Governor Symington. Four ARPA members, Rob Bohannan, Gene Caywood, Earl Eisenhower, and Pete Glass, serve on the Task Force. The engineering firm of Kimley-Horn is a consultant to the study.
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