Project staff are in the process of completing 30% design plans for the METRO Blue Line Extension project for community and city partner review this spring. We’ll be out in community getting more feedback on these plans in the coming weeks.
These plans are the result of robust engagement and community and city input over the past several years, and we’ll be out in community getting additional input in the coming weeks before they are final. While there are still many details and decisions ahead, this is an important milestone that will set the stage for future conversations, planning and engineering to move the project forward. But what exactly is included in 30% design?
Design phases and elements
There are certain design milestones at 30%, 60%, and 90% level of design when plans are released for stakeholder and community feedback. Project staff have and will continue to engage the community throughout the entire plan development process and through construction.
Up to 30% design, communities, cities, and partners have provided input on major design decisions, including:
- Alignment
- Station locations
- Typical sections (such as width of vehicle lanes, sidewalks, etc.)
- General access changes
- Preliminary plans
During the 60% design phase, project staff will seek input on more detailed design elements, including:
- Refinements to typical sections (such as width of vehicle lanes, sidewalks, etc. and access)
- Site plans for park-and-rides
- Traffic plans
- Environmental mitigation measures
- Intersection design
During the 90% design phase, project staff will seek input on refining details, including:
- Station architectural design (i.e., platform, shelters)
- Lighting plans
- Landscaping plans
- Architectural treatment of retaining walls and noise walls, where applicable
- Construction planning