SEPTA Picks a King of Prussia Rail Route

Source: Philadelphia Magazine Sandy Smith

The “locally preferred alternative” is being presented now so SEPTA can get public feedback before preparing the required environmental impact statement.

SEPTA has reached a decision on which of the five possible routings for a Norristown High-Speed Line spur to King of Prussia it prefers.

A map showing the “Recommended Locally Preferred Alternative” route was released last week. The route chosen branches off the NHSL main line between Hughes Park and DeKalb Street stations, then follows a PECO transmission line right-of-way from the wye junction to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It then hugs the south side of the Turnpike right-of-way until it reaches the King of Prussia malls. The line follows Mall Boulevard around the north side of the mall property, then crosses the Turnpike to follow First Avenue through the King of Prussia business park.

Stations will be located at Henderson Road (with parking), the Court and Plaza at King of Prussia (two stations, both on Mall Boulevard), at First and Clark avenues in the King of Prussia Business Park, and on First Avenue near the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

SEPTA will hold three public meetings to gather comments and feedback on the preferred alignment and the other four proposed routings as well as opinions on the King of Prussia rail study in general. The meeting dates, times and locations are:

• Monday, March 7, 4 to 8 p.m. (presentation at 6 p.m.), Grand Ballroom, Radisson Hotel Valley Forge, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia
• Wednesday, March 9, 4 to 8 p.m. (presentation at 6 p.m.), Norristown Municipal Building, 225 E. Airy St., Norristown
• Tuesday, March 18, 2 to 8 p.m. (presentations at 3 and 6 p.m.), Jefferson Ballroom, Doubletree Hotel Valley Forge, 301 W. DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia

SEPTA will use the information collected at the public meetings and information sessions to further consider the merits of its preferred route and the four alternatives before preparing a draft environmental impact statement, which is set to be released at the end of this year.