2016/09/14 Council Agenda Packet

Metro Everett Update Briefing September 1,2016 Station Planning for Light Rail at Everett Station The high growth targets in the City's Comprehensive Plan could only be realized if light rail reaches Everett.The plan assumed that the City would adopt station area plans for land use, housing and transportation needs for the area surrounding each light rail station. Over the past couple of months, city planners,transit planners, engineers and others have brainstormed on plans for the light rail station that would serve Metro Everett. During those discussions,we achieved consensus around the following guiding principles: • Best Metro Location.The Light Rail Station in Metro Everett should be placed to serve both downtown and Everett Station area. • Bus-to-Light Rail Transfers. Bus to light rail connections happen at the new Light Rail Station, focusing on the inbound bus routes.This will take place through new bus-only routes down McDougall and improved stops on Pacific. • Bus-to-Bus Transfers. Everett Station will continue to serve as the bus-to-bus transfer facility,as well as layover for drivers and equipment. • Improve Walkability. The walkability from the Light Rail Station and Everett Station needs improvement.This would take place through a pedestrian overpass across Broadway and by enhancing the pedestrian connections between the Light Rail Station and Everett Station via 32nd Street. • Regional Commuters. Everett's goal for transit-oriented development would not benefit from having our metro area become a parking lot for regional commuters.Additional parking supply should be limited,and it should be located east of the railroad and south of Pacific Avenue on the Sound Transit site. Based on the above guiding principles,a concept plan for the Metro Light Rail station has been developed (attached). Key features include: • Light rail station platform. Proposed between Broadway and McDougall at Pacific Avenue,this location will be visually and physically accessible to downtown and Everett Station. • Pacific Avenue Bridge and McDougall Undercrossing.The bridge on Pacific Avenue over the railroad would be extended to Broadway.This will allow an undercrossing at McDougall to serve as a transit route for the new light rail station platform. • Transit access. Local and regional transit routes would serve the light rail platform and continue to use Everett Station for bus-to-bus transfers. • Streetscape Improvements.Streetscape improvements along 32nd Street, along with a consistent grade along Pacific,will enable light rail passengers able to walk or bike get to Everett Station or a parking garage. Frequent bus service will also enable physically challenged persons to make a trip with that assistance. • Broadway Crossing.A pedestrian overpass across Broadway is envisioned for safety and convenience. This overpass might be extended from the light rail tail track. 3 4