CONSULTING TEAMSTUDY PARTNERS

Surface Transportation CommitteeDec. 21, 2015

Agenda

1. Project Status2. Summary of Public & Stakeholder Input3. Strategies Applicable Study Area-Wide4. Summary of Two Alternatives5. Evaluation of Two Alternatives6. Next Steps

Project Status Developing Two Alternatives for Evaluation.

Stakeholder Roundtable & Public Input.

Internal NFTA Meetings.

Obtain Direction on Further Developing an Alternative.

Study Area-Wide Strategies

Study Area-Wide Strategies

“Canalside Station”

Remove Special Events Station/New Double Crossover

Improve Access To/From Amtrak

Support New Amtrak Station

Streetscape Enhancements

Improve Access To/From First Ward

Improve Connection BetweenCanalside & Cobblestone

Riverwalk Improvements

Support TODRedevelopment

Adaptive to Outer Harbor Access

Bricks for Buffalo

Summary of 2 Alternatives

Alternative A

Alternative A

Alternative A Requires Reconstruction of South Park (11’ lanes); Can Operate with DL&W Work as Later Phase; Rework of Yard; Maintains Track 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12; Ability to Backload Station; Reconfigure Loop - Only Access to Shop Track 1; Shop Track 2 & 3 have to be front loaded.

Alternative A

Alternative B

Alternative B

Alternative B Rework of Yard; Maintains Track 4, 5, 7. Provides Track 5a; Ability to Backload Station; Maintains Loop, Access to Shop Track 1, 2 & 3; Requires DL&W Work; Loss of Storage.

Alternative B

Alternative B

Alternative B

Alternative B

Alternative B

Alternative B

Evaluation of Alternatives

Evaluation Criteria

Metro Rail Operations

Maintenance and Storage

User Convenience

Safety and Security

Right-of-Way

Multimodal Connectivity

Future Expansion

DL&W 2nd Floor Reuse

Redevelopment Potential

Alternative A Pros Cons

Minimal impact on Metro Rail service and scheduling

Eliminates Special Events Station Maintain existing storage capacity Upgrade yard infrastructure Opportunity to phase improvements

to DL&W Provides improved transit access and

connectivity in study area Higher visibility of Metro Rail Accommodates future expansion

along South Park or NFTA ROW Provides access and invites users to

2nd floor of DL&W Promotes redevelopment of

Cobblestone District

Significant construction impacts on yard operations

Potential impact on shop operations Potential conflict between Metro Rail

riders and vehicle traffic Requires total reconstruction of South

Park Avenue Requires full length high-level station

platform Exposure to weather

Alternative B Pros Cons

Minimal impact on Metro Rail service and scheduling

Eliminates Special Events Station Upgrade yard infrastructure No impact to shop operations Coatless connections – sheltered

from weather Provides improved transit access and

connectivity in study area Complete separation of Metro Rail

and vehicle traffic – track remains on NFTA property

Requires minor reconstruction of South Park Ave for station entrances

Accommodates futures expansion along NFTA ROW

Provides access and brings users directly to 2nd floor of DL&W

Promotes redevelopment of Cobblestone District

Reduces vehicle and equipment storage capacity

Requires immediate upgrades to DL&W

Requires additional security between public and non-public areas

CostsItem Alternative A Alternative B

Road Work $1,780,000 $730,000Station $4,900,000 $3,400,000Pedestrian Corridors/ Bridges & Elevators/ Stairs $6,000,000 $12,000,000

Trackwork $2,390,000 $2,278,922OCS Modifications $2,510,000 $2,457,227Signals & Communications $800,000 $1,295,520Building Modifications - $1,500,000ESTIMATED SUBTOTAL $18,380,000 $23,661,669Escalation to 2018 (2% per year) $1,126,000 $1,448,33140% Contingency $7,800,000 $10,040,000TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS $27,306,000 $35,150,000Engineering/ Design $5,470,000 $7,030,000ESTIMATED TOTAL $32,776,000 $42,180,000

Next Steps

Next Steps

Chose an Alternative to Move Forward;

Further Develop Chosen Alternative and Area Strategies;

Identify Environmental and Permitting Requirements;

Identify Financing Options;

Final Report