7a Attachment ST3
Alternatives Evaluation Criteria Draft 5 June 2018 West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions Table 1 Level 1 Screening Evaluation Criteria, Measures and Methods (by segment) COMPLETE Quantitative or Purpose and Need (1)/ Evaluation Criteria (2) Measure (3) Qualitative (4) Methods (5) Provide high quality rapid, reliable, and efficient peak and off-peak light rail transit service to communities in the project corridors defined in ST3 Number of service interruptions during peak and off-peak travel periods (e.g., number of movable bridge openings, at-grade crossings, Reliable Service Potential service interruptions and recoverability Qualitative etc.) and redundancy and ability to re-route service Travel Times LRT travel times Quantitative Estimated travel times within segments based on alignment characteristics Improve regional mobility by increasing connectivity and capacity through downtown Seattle to meet projected transit demand Network integration and operational flexibility to meet future Regional Connectivity Qualitative Ability to accommodate spine segmentation for regional LRT system connectivity and operational flexibility to meet future demand demand Transit Capacity Passenger carrying capacity in downtown Qualitative Combined carrying capacity of downtown transit tunnels Quantitative/ Projected Transit Demand Ridership potential Future 2040 total population and employment within 0.5-mile buffer of WSBLE Project stations Qualitative Connect regional centers as described in adopted regional and local land use, transportation, and economic development plans and Sound Transit's Long-Range Plan Regional Centers Served Station proximity to PSRC-designated regional centers Quantitative Number of PSRC-designated regional growth centers and manufacturing/industrial centers served by stations Sound Transit Long-Range Plan Consistency Accommodates future LRT extension beyond ST3 Qualitative Ability to accommodate expansion potential of future LRT extensions identified in Sound Transit Long-Range Plan Implement a system that is consistent with the ST3 Plan that established transit mode, corridor, and station locations and that is technically feasible and financially sustainable to build, operate, and maintain Mode, route and general station locations per ST3 Qualitative Consistency of mode, route and general station locations per ST3 ST3 Consistency Potential ST3 operating plan effects Qualitative Integration of WSBLE Project into existing LRT spine and overall system (e.g., special trackwork, movable bridge implications, etc.) Compliance with Sound Transit Design Criteria Manual, design criteria from agencies with jurisdiction and federal regulations; Engineering constraints Qualitative engineering obstacles associated with major infrastructure constraints Major constructability issues based on potential conflicts and technical challenges (e.g., utility conflicts, existing infrastructure, Technical Feasibility Constructability issues Qualitative geotechnical, tunnel portals, etc.) Operational constraints Qualitative Consideration of operational constraints (e.g., access to maintenance facility, vertical grade, horizontal curvature, movable bridge, etc.) Financial Sustainability Qualitative capital cost comparison Qualitative ST3 cost consistency based on identification of major capital cost drivers (e.g., route miles, route configuration, bridge type, etc.) Expand mobility for the corridor and region's residents, which include transit dependent, low income, and minority populations Assessment of improved access to opportunities (i.e., employment, housing and transit) for historically underserved populations (i.e., Historically Underserved Populations Opportunities for historically underserved populations Qualitative environmental justice populations) within station areas, as well as along the frequent transit network that would serve the station Encourage equitable and sustainable urban growth in station areas through support of transit-oriented development, station access, and modal integration in a manner that is consistent with local land use plans and policies General station locations consistent with local land use plans Qualitative Compatibility and consistency of station locations with local land use plans Station Area Land Use Plan Consistency Station proximity to Seattle-designated Urban Centers and Villages Qualitative Proximity of station locations to centroid of defined urban centers and villages as identified in City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan Bus/rail and rail/rail integration Qualitative Potential ability to integrate with bus and rail service and ease of transfers for transit customers Modal Integration Accessibility of station locations to major existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities and identification of major physical Bicycle, pedestrian and persons with limited mobility connectivity Qualitative barriers to walking and biking within general station areas for bicyclists and pedestrians, including persons with limited mobility Station Area Development Opportunities Development potential Qualitative Likelihood of land potentially available for future development within station areas based on zoning composition Preserve and promote a healthy environment and economy by minimizing adverse impacts on the natural, built and social environments through sustainable practices Protected natural resources Qualitative Impacts to known natural resources (e.g., waterbodies, wetlands, etc.) Impacts to known built and social resources (e.g., parks, historic properties/districts, Section 4(f)/6(f), construction impacts, etc.) and Environmental Effects Protected built and social environment Qualitative potential for residential and business displacements Assessment of how potential acquisitions and displacements would affect historically underserved populations (i.e., environmental Burden on historically underserved populations Qualitative justice populations) relative to other communities and displacement risk from station area redevelopment Page 2 | AE 0036-17 | Alternatives Evaluation Criteria Draft 5 July 2018 DRAFT For internal discussion only. Not reviewed or approved on behalf of any party. West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions Table 1 Level 1 Screening Evaluation Criteria, Measures and Methods (by segment) COMPLETE Quantitative or Purpose and Need (1)/ Evaluation Criteria (2) Measure (3) Qualitative (4) Methods (5) Traffic Operations Traffic circulation and access Qualitative Effects on traffic and transit (i.e., bus and streetcar) operations, including potential lane restrictions, turn restrictions, and parking Freight movement and access on land and water Qualitative Effects on freight mobility and future freight capacity expansion opportunities, including both on land and water Economic Effects Business and commerce effects Qualitative Effects on local businesses, as well as commercial and industrial areas Notes: (1) Based on Draft Purpose and Need Statement (dated January 24, 2018), with revisions incorporated from feedback received during early scoping. (2) Criteria are subject to change as alternatives are refined and screened at each level, as well as to incorporate stakeholder input. (3) Screening criteria and associated measures get progressively more detailed and quantitative as the alternatives are screened through Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. (4) Measures ranked from high to low based on comparison to ST3 Representative Project; "High" = higher performance, "Comparable" = comparable performance, "Low" = lower performance. (5) Agency and stakeholder input will be considered in the overall alternatives evaluation and screening process. Page 3 | AE 0036-17 | Alternatives Evaluation Criteria Draft 5 July 2018 DRAFT For internal discussion only. Not reviewed or approved on behalf of any party. West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions Table 2 Level 2 Screening Evaluation Criteria, Measures and Methods (by segment) Quantitative or Purpose and Need (1)/ Evaluation Criteria (2) Measure (3) Qualitative (4) Methods (5) Provide high quality rapid, reliable, and efficient peak and off-peak light rail transit service to communities in the project corridors defined in ST3 Number of service interruptions during peak and off-peak travel periods (e.g., frequency and duration of movable bridge openings, at- Reliable Service Potential service interruptions and recoverability Quantitative grade crossings, etc.) and redundancy and ability to re-route service Travel Times LRT travel times Quantitative Estimated travel times within segments based on alignment characteristics Improve regional mobility by increasing connectivity and capacity through downtown Seattle to meet projected transit demand Regional Connectivity LRT network integration Qualitative Ability to accommodate spine segmentation for regional LRT system connectivity and operational flexibility to meet future demand Transit Capacity Passenger carrying capacity in downtown Qualitative Combined passenger carrying capacity of downtown transit tunnels Projected Transit Demand Ridership potential Quantitative Future PSRC-forecasted 2040 total population and employment within 10-minute walkshed of WSBLE Project stations Connect regional centers as described in adopted regional and local land use, transportation, and economic development plans and Sound Transit's Long-Range Plan Station proximity to PSRC-designated regional growth centers Quantitative Number of PSRC-designated regional growth centers served by stations Regional Centers Served Station proximity to PSRC-designated manufacturing/industrial Quantitative Number of PSRC-designated manufacturing/industrial centers served by stations centers Sound Transit Long-Range Plan Consistency Accommodates future LRT extension beyond ST3 Qualitative Ability to accommodate expansion potential of future LRT extensions identified in Sound Transit Long-Range Plan Implement a system that is consistent with the ST3 Plan that established transit mode, corridor, and station locations and that is technically feasible and financially sustainable to build, operate, and maintain Mode, route and general station locations per ST3 Qualitative Consistency of mode, route and general station locations per ST3 Constructability, environmental or other issues/challenges that may cause WSBLE Project schedule risks (e.g., right-of-way [ROW] ST3 Consistency Potential ST3 implementation schedule effects Qualitative acquisition needs, in-water work restrictions, regulatory compliance process, etc.) Potential ST3 operating plan effects Qualitative Integration of WSBLE Project into existing LRT spine and overall system (i.e., special trackwork, movable bridge implications, etc.) Quantitative/ Compliance with Sound Transit Design Criteria Manual, design criteria from agencies with jurisdiction and federal regulations and Engineering constraints Qualitative engineering obstacles associated with major infrastructure constraints; incorporate findings of engineering feasibility studies Quantitative/ Constructability issues based on potential conflicts and technical challenges (e.g., utility conflicts, existing infrastructure, Technical Feasibility Constructability issues Qualitative geotechnical, tunnel portals, etc.); incorporate findings of engineering feasibility studies Assessment of operational constraints (e.g., access to maintenance facility, vertical grade, horizonal curvature, movable bridge, etc.); Operational constraints Qualitative incorporate findings of engineering feasibility studies ST3 cost consistency and conceptual capital cost comparison based on conceptual design quantities and current Sound Transit unit Conceptual capital cost comparison Quantitative pricing Financial Sustainability Operating cost impacts Qualitative Assessment of operations and maintenance (O&M) cost impacts, including annual and lifecycle costs Expand mobility for the corridor and region's residents, which include transit dependent, low income, and minority populations Assessment of improved access to opportunities (activity nodes served, as described below) for low-income and minority populations within station areas and how the project would improve access for low-income and minority populations along the system to these Qualitative nodes, as well as access for low-income and minority populations in the study area to major regional employment and educational Opportunities for low-income and minority populations destinations Quantitative Number of rent-restricted or subsidized rental units 10-minute walkshed (i.e., rent- and income-restricted housing units) Historically Underserved Populations Low-income population (i.e., households below 2 times the federal poverty level) within 10-minute walkshed and 15-minute ride on Low-income population Quantitative connecting high frequency transit Minority population1 Quantitative Minority population within 10-minute walkshed and 15-minute ride on connecting high frequency transit Youth population (under 18) Quantitative Youth population (under 18) within 10-minute walkshed and 15-minute ride on connecting high frequency transit 1 Minority population is defined in U.S. DOT Updated Environmental Justice Order 5610.2(a) as persons belonging to any of the following groups: Black, Hispanic, Asian American, and American Indian and Alaska Native. Page 4 | AE 0036-17 | Alternatives Evaluation Criteria Draft 5 July 2018 DRAFT For internal discussion only. Not reviewed or approved on behalf of any party. West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions Table 2 Level 2 Screening Evaluation Criteria, Measures and Methods (by segment) Quantitative or Purpose and Need (1)/ Evaluation Criteria (2) Measure (3) Qualitative (4) Methods (5) Elderly population (65 and over) Quantitative Elderly population (65 and over) within 10-minute walkshed and 15-minute ride on connecting high frequency transit Limited English Proficiency (LEP) population Quantitative LEP population within 10-minute walkshed and 15-minute ride on connecting high frequency transit Disabled population (includes those with hearing, vision, or ambulatory disability) within 10-minute walkshed and 15-minute ride on Disabled population Quantitative connecting high frequency transit Encourage equitable and sustainable urban growth in station areas through support of transit-oriented development, station access, and modal integration in a manner that is consistent with local land use plans and policies Compatibility with Seattle designated Urban Centers and Villages Quantitative Percent of 10-minute station walkshed land area located within Seattle-designated Urban Centers and/or Villages Station Area Land Use Plan Consistency Station locations consistent with current local land use plans Qualitative Compatibility and consistency of station locations with current local land use plans Number of activity nodes (e.g., points of interest, gathering spaces, food banks, educational institutions, parks and recreational Activity nodes served Quantitative resources) within 10-minute walkshed of stations Assessment of ease of passenger transfer for riders transferring between light rail lines, and between light rail and other motorized Passenger transfers Qualitative modes (bus, paratransit, drop-off/pick-up, transportation network companies [TNC]) at stations Quantitative/ Percentage of peak-hour bus and rail trips that stop within one block of proposed station locations relative to the total number of Bus/rail and rail/rail integration Qualitative peak-hour bus and rail trips within a 700 foot walk of proposed stations Modal Integration Ratio of bicycle facility miles (neighborhood greenway, bicycle lanes, protected bicycle lanes, and trails) to total roadway miles within Bicycle accessibility Quantitative 10-minute bikeshed of stations Quantitative/ Ratio of sidewalk and trail miles to total roadway miles within 10-minute walkshed of stations, and assessment of impediments to Pedestrian and persons with limited mobility accessibility Qualitative pedestrian and ADA access (i.e., large intersections with signal delay, significant topography or grade challenges) Development potential, incorporating zoned capacity and market conditions, within 10-minute walkshed of stations (5-minute Development potential Quantitative walkshed in downtown) Station Area Development Opportunities Equitable development opportunities Qualitative Assessment of unique opportunities for equitable development enabled by station location and/or conceptual configuration Preserve and promote a healthy environment and economy by minimizing adverse impacts on the natural, built and social environments through sustainable practices National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listed or eligible Quantitative Number of intersected or adjacent NRHP-listed, NRHP-eligible, and Seattle City Landmark property impacts based on Department of historic properties and Seattle City Landmarks Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) data and City of Seattle Landmark data Potential archaeological resources Quantitative Percent of alternative length within previously identified archaeology sensitive areas that are 500 feet (or 0.5 miles at water crossings) from alignment Parks and recreational resources Quantitative Number of and estimated area of potential permanent impacts to parks and recreational resources Water resources Quantitative Estimated area of potential permanent in-water impacts Fish and wildlife habitat Quantitative Estimated area of potential permanent impact to fish and wildlife habitat using city of Seattle environmentally critical areas Hazardous materials Quantitative Number of contaminated properties potentially impacted, including Superfund sites Environmental Effects Quantitative/ Evaluation of the length of elevated guideway adjacent to residential or other visually sensitive areas, including parks and historic Visual Qualitative properties; an assessment of scale of elevated guideway in visually sensitive areas; and potential impacts to protected views as designated in Seattle Municipal Code Number of potentially affected noise and vibration sensitive receivers, including residences, libraries, performance halls, schools, Noise and vibration Quantitative churches, and selected parks within 350 feet of alignment; the presence of known noise and vibration sensitive laboratories will be noted Property acquisitions and displacements Quantitative Number of potentially affected properties, including potential residential and business displacements Assessment of temporary construction impacts to community, including potential for transportation, access, noise, vibration, and Construction impacts Qualitative visual effects that could disrupt the community (including existing residents, businesses, social service providers), including relative duration of construction and impacts to high volume traffic areas Page 5 | AE 0036-17 | Alternatives Evaluation Criteria Draft 5 July 2018 DRAFT For internal discussion only. Not reviewed or approved on behalf of any party. West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions Table 2 Level 2 Screening Evaluation Criteria, Measures and Methods (by segment) Quantitative or Purpose and Need (1)/ Evaluation Criteria (2) Measure (3) Qualitative (4) Methods (5) Burden on low-income and minority populations Qualitative Assessment of how potential acquisitions and displacements and visual, noise and construction impacts would affect low-income and minority populations relative to other communities and displacement risk from station area redevelopment Traffic circulation and access Qualitative Effects on traffic and transit (i.e., bus and streetcar) operations, including potential lane restrictions, lane eliminations, turn restrictions, driveways impacted, and parking taken Traffic Operations Transportation facilities Qualitative Effects on existing transportation facilities, including bicycle lanes, sidewalks, traffic interchanges and other transportation infrastructure as warranted, and compatibility with planned facilities Freight movement and access on land and water Qualitative Effects on existing and future freight mobility and future freight capacity expansion opportunities, including both on land and water Economic Effects Business and commerce effects Qualitative Effects on businesses, as well as commercial and industrial areas, including potential impacts during construction and operations from changes in access, travel patterns and displacements Notes: (1) Based on Draft Purpose and Need Statement, with revisions incorporated from feedback received during the Level 1 evaluation. (2) Criteria are subject to change as alternatives are refined and screened at each level, as well as to incorporate stakeholder input. (3) Screening criteria and associated measures get progressively more detailed and quantitative as the alternatives are screened through Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. (4) Measures ranked from high to low based on anticipated ability to achieve evaluation measure; "High" = high ability to achieve measure, "Medium" = moderate ability to achieve measure, "Low" = low ability to achieve measure; no weighting will be applied. (5) Agency and stakeholder input will be considered in the overall alternatives evaluation and screening process. Page 6 | AE 0036-17 | Alternatives Evaluation Criteria Draft 5 July 2018 DRAFT For internal discussion only. Not reviewed or approved on behalf of any party.
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