Title
LYNX Red Line Design Update
Action
Action:
A. Approve a contract for up to $5,000,000 with HDR Engineering, Inc. for planning and design services related to the proposed LYNX Red Line, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Brent Cagle, CATS
Kelly Goforth, CATS
Brian Nadolny, CATS
Explanation
§ This first phase of updating design for the LYNX Red Line will focus on updating the project definition and understanding the goals and needs of the public and the municipalities in the corridor.
§ This phase will focus on public outreach, updating the grade crossings and track design, examining options for a new vehicle maintenance facility, reevaluating vehicle technologies and service levels, confirming station locations, and analyzing new alignment options into Center City Charlotte.
§ On April 12, 2023, the city issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ); two responses were received.
§ HDR Engineering, Inc. was selected as the best-qualified firm to meet the city’s needs based on demonstrated experience, project understanding, and project approach in response to the RFQ requirements.
§ Future requests for City Council approval of contract amendments to complete the design of the Red Line project are anticipated.
Background
§ In 2019, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) approved a new Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the North Corridor, from Center City Charlotte to the Town of Mooresville in Iredell County. Within the City of Charlotte, the project extends through Council Districts 1, 2, and 4.
§ The LPA established a North Corridor public transportation strategy that includes near-term Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) improvements in the I-77 corridor while continuing a long-term vision confirming the Norfolk Southern O-Line as an important regional transportation corridor for future regional rapid transit/local mobility options.
§ The MetroRAPID North BRT Planning Study was adopted by the MTC in May 2022. The next step is to update the design plans for the LYNX Red Line Commuter Rail. There have been several changes in the corridor since the original design was completed in 2009 and this update will revisit several key elements of that design.
§ In fiscal year 2023, action was taken by the MTC and City Council to amend the FY 2023 Capital Investment Plan to include $5 million to advance the LYNX Red Line.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Established DBE Goal: 9.00%
Committed DBE Goal: 9.00%
HDR Engineering, Inc. has agreed to meet the established subcontracting goals using the following certified DBE firms:
§ Neighboring Concepts (MBE, DBE) (station locations)
§ CriTek Engineering Group (SBE, MBE, DBE) (utility coordination)
§ Three Oaks Engineering (DBE) (environmental assessment)
Fiscal Note
Funding: CATS Capital Investment Plan