Project Development refers to the steps or stages of a new transit project. It typically includes planning activities, scoping, conceptual engineering, alternatives analysis, environmental studies, financial and funding options, design, stakeholder coordination, and public input. Throughout Project Development, SEPTA has engaged agencies, stakeholders, and the public through public meetings, workshops, and comment periods. SEPTA continues to provide opportunities for the public to become involved and provide input to the project team.
SEPTA evaluated more than 30 alternatives for a new rail connection between the existing Norristown High Speed Line and destinations in King of Prussia. The three-tiered evaluation process resulted in the selection of the PECO/Turnpike First Avenue alternative as the recommended Locally Preferred Alternative.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was completed in 2017. In January 2018, the SEPTA board approved the adoption of the recommended Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) with the North/South design option, which shifted the rail alignment away from residential areas.
Phase 1 (15% design) of preliminary engineering refined the rail alignment, confirmed station locations, and identified opportunities to reduce or mitigate potential impacts. Explore KOP Rail’s interactive web map to view the route and stations.
The combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision, signed in January 2021, further identifies environmental and community impacts and commits to specific mitigation and minimization actions to eliminate or reduce negative effects. The Record of Decision (ROD) is the official decision document of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for KOP Rail to continue Project Development.
SEPTA is seeking partial funding for KOP Rail from New Starts, the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant program. To apply for the New Starts program, FTA requires the development of a financial plan. The 20-year Financial Plan, currently in development, will consider a wide range of future funding options. This could include state, regional, or county funding; private investment; and innovative finance options.
Project Development activities will add more design and engineering detail to KOP Rail and the five stations and supporting documentation, including a draft financial plan and evaluation of project delivery methods
The FTA must authorize KOP Rail to enter the New Starts engineering phase of the Capital Investment Grant program. This an important step for the project to secure federal funding.
Final Design is the last phase of Project Development, after 30% design is complete and partial construction funding is committed. This will complete all engineering and design details and will culminate in construction plans.
This is the phase when the rail extension will be constructed, connecting Center City and University City, with King of Prussia – Greater Philadelphia’s three largest employment centers.