The electrification of proposed rail lines in Denver has broad support, but the measure would greatly increase the project's cost and could limit future expansion.
"Electrifying the FasTracks rail line between Union Station and Boulder/Longmont could add as much as $550 million in cost to the project when compared with current plans for diesel-powered trains, RTD said Thursday."
"The transit district released a letter from BNSF Railway Co. that said numerous bridges along the 41-mile rail route would have to be reconstructed to accommodate overhead electric wires for commuter rail."
"Recently, RTD directors supported electric rail over diesel for the east corridor train to Denver International Airport and the Gold Line from Union Station to Arvada/Wheat Ridge."
"Some local government officials and residents also have expressed preference for electric rail for the northwest line and the north metro train to Adams County. They noted that electrification eliminates train emissions, and at lower speeds, electric trains are quieter than diesel counterparts."
"Electrification of the line would probably prevent any future rail expansion in the corridor since the placement of poles for electric wires takes additional space."
FULL STORY: Planned rail carries big power charge
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.
Judge Halts Enforcement of Anti-Homeless Laws in Grants Pass
The Oregon city will be barred from enforcing two ordinances that prosecute unhoused residents until it increases capacity and accessibility at designated camping sites.
Advancing Sustainability in Los Angeles County Schools
The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Green Schools Symposium brings together educators, students, and experts to advance sustainability in schools through innovative design, climate resilience strategies, and collaborative learning.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport