The following article by Eric Roper, dated May 14, 2016, was published (online) in the Star Tribune.
Southwest Light-rail Report Outlines Noise, Visual Impact in Chain of Lakes Corridor
State funding, federal lawsuit remain as hurdles.
Photo: Metropolitan Council
Key findings from review • New bridges and train traffic will reduce light and add noise in Minneapolis’ Kenilworth Lagoon, requiring a short wall and special noise-reducing rail components. • Crossing bells, noise walls and rail “quiet zones” will be used to minimize noise along the line, largely from train horns.
A highly anticipated environmental report on the proposed Southwest light-rail line, released Friday, concluded that the project would change the character of a portion of Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes — but that steps would be taken to dampen the impact.
The 17,000-page final environmental impact statement of the line, published by the Federal Transit Administration, represents one of the last regulatory hurdles before the project can proceed toward construction. A federal lawsuit continues to loom over the project, however, and it remains unclear whether the state will commit the $135 million needed to secure half of the $1.7 billion cost from the federal government.
To continue reading, click on the link to the Star Tribune
Southwest LRT report outlines noise, visual impact near lakes …
