King of Prussia railroad line moves onto the next step

Source, Philadelphia Business Journal, Natalie Kostelni

A proposed King of Prussia Rail extension from the Norristown High Speed Line is taking its next steps and SEPTA has issued a request for proposals for engineering work on the $1 billion project.

The extension aims to link the region’s three largest employment centers, which are King of Prussia, Center City and University City, as well as ease some of the congestion on roads throughout Upper Merion and nearby communities.

SEPTA said it is seeking with the RFP detailed preliminary design work, including surveying, utility and geotechnical investigations for the project. This work will complete 15 percent of the total design of the proposed rail project.

As part of the 268-page RFP, SEPTA included an option for respondents to provide contract documents, including technical specifications, drawings, and other details that owuld complete 30 percent of the design.

Planning for the project began in 2012 and it has met several significant milestones including the selection of a preferred route and the approval of a draft environmental impact report. A final environmental report is expected in 2019. Not long after that, construction could commence and the rail line is project to begin service by 2023.

Responses to the RFP are due by Sept. 12.