Plans for a passenger rail line connecting Phoenix and Tucson advanced this week after the Federal Railroad Administration approved the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) first submission.
The approval allows ADOT to begin work on a planning document that will outline details such as potential station locations, infrastructure needs, and funding requirements.
Newsweek contacted ADOT for an update on the project via email.
Why It Matters
The route is intended to provide another option for travelers between Phoenix and Tucson, which are currently linked by the Interstate 10 highway. ADOT stated that the plan could offer improved travel reliability and reduce road traffic.
What To Know
The rail corridor, running approximately 160 miles from Buckeye in the Phoenix area to Tucson, was first proposed in 2016. Recent developments have built on that proposal with updated studies and technical assessments.
The approval of ADOT’s early-stage proposal now allows the agency to move ahead with its Service Development Plan, which will take two to three years to complete, according to the state of Arizona.
This part will include ridership estimates, projected costs, and timelines. To complete the Service Development Plan, ADOT has an approved budget of $10.6 million budget.
Governor Katie Hobbs has committed $3.5 million to the project.
ADOT
Completion of this phase will allow the state to enter the next round of project work, which includes environmental reviews and engineering studies.
The project may share existing Union Pacific Railroad tracks with a separate passenger rail initiative being studied by Amtrak. While the two services are distinct, coordination is expected during the development process.
What People Are Saying
Governor Katie Hobbs said in a statement: “This is a big step forward for Arizona. I am committed to creating a bright transportation future for our state that fosters economic growth, creates jobs and expands transit opportunities for working people and families.”
The Arizona Department of Transportation in a report on the project: “This project represents an alternative mode of transportation connecting the state’s two largest metropolitan areas to complement vehicular travel on I-10, the one interstate highway linking the two regions.
“It’s important to note a Phoenix to Tucson passenger rail corridor is not currently funded for implementation. However, this study will provide an important step in determining stakeholder support, service coordination with UPPR and Amtrak, infrastructure needs and project costs to implement this service.”
What’s Next
Federal funds are expected to support the development work, pending grant approval, which is expected in the coming weeks.
Completion of the Service Development Plan will make way for a third and final step, which includes an engineering and environmental study. This is also expected to take two to three years.