Designing Light Rail

CRC is working with the community on key issues related to the extension of light rail from Portland’s Expo Center to Clark College in Vancouver, including:

Light rail alignment
Station location and design
Street design, including pedestrian amenities and landscaping
Park and ride design

Light Rail Alignment

Light rail will extend north from the Expo Center station along I-5, across the river through downtown Vancouver before ending at Clark College.

Map

Station Location and Design

One light rail station is planned for Hayden Island. Three stations are planned in downtown Vancouver, as well as a terminus station at Clark College.

Street Design and Park and Rides

Light rail will be integrated into Hayden Island and downtown Vancouver while keeping vehicle and bicycle traffic flow, on-street parking, pedestrian amenities and landscaping in mind. Vancouver park and rides will be integrated to enhance light rail ridership while supporting the City of Vancouver’s vision for development.

Public Input for Decision-Making

Community Stakeholder Groups: Two working groups were formed to advise CRC staff and project partners on transit issues including light rail design and station area planning. Members represent diverse neighborhood interests, including businesses, residents, transit-dependent populations and commuters. Due to time-sensitive issues, the Vancouver Working Group began meeting in early January 2009 and concluded in July 2009. The Portland Working Group began meeting in May 2009 and meets monthly.

Neighborhood Workshops: Hands-on neighborhood workshops are held periodically to gather community input on transit alignment and design. Information gathered at these workshops is shared with the local working groups, project staff, project partners and the public.

Local Government Meetings: The Vancouver City Council is expected to hear and discuss recommendations from the Vancouver Working Group this fall. The public can provide testimony on this subject at any of the regularly scheduled City Council meetings or via e-mail or letter.

The C-TRAN Board is expected to consider the recommendations of the Vancouver Working Group after they are heard by City Council. The C-TRAN Board hears public comment during its meetings.

Feedback on the design for light rail may be submitted at anytime through the Submit Comments page.