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Sahan Journal
Saint Paul, get ready to connect
By Riverview Corridor,
2024-05-20
If you haven’t already heard about the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar project , you’ll want to get on board. This transformative project features 12 miles of enhanced connections from downtown Saint Paul to the MSP Airport and Mall of America. Running along State Highway 5 (West 7th Street), the modern streetcar is a critical aspect of enhanced transit with much to offer individuals, businesses, communities and our environment. Benefits like better access to destinations, increased property redevelopment and reinvestment, vastly improved road and bridge infrastructure and a safer, more inviting pedestrian environment.
Graphic Credit: Alan Tse
The future is promising
Improved Connectivity : More stops are planned at key locations, including Historic Fort Snelling and MSP Airport’s Terminal 2. This means more access to jobs, education and entertainment.
Infrastructure Upgrades : A replacement of the 60-year-old Fort Road/Hwy 5 Bridge gears up for improved pedestrian and biking routes.
Safety & Accessibility : Enhanced street crossings, full road reconstruction of West 7 th Street from the Mississippi to downtown and better transit options will ensure a safer, more accessible journey for everyone.
Economic Growth : Greater incentives for redevelopment drive increased job opportunities within the corridor.
Better Air Quality : With reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the modern streetcar is a great way to improve our environment.
Quiet Comfort : The modern streetcar is a quiet and smooth ride. And new weather-protected stations with real-time schedule updates will provide greater comfort for riders.
The precedent has been set
Cities like Charlotte and Seattle have seen remarkable growth from similar projects, with benefits ranging from job creation to substantial revenue increases. In Kansas City, the introduction of a modern streetcar spurred a 40% increase in residential density near the route. Milwaukee’s streetcar led to $3.5B worth of development in their downtown area over the last decade.
It’s a great time to get on board
With a vision for a vibrant and connected future, backed by substantial federal funding, Saint Paul can join these successful cities. Exciting, yes. But it’s a project that needs community support. Individuals and businesses can get involved by helping to shape the future of enhanced transit in our region.
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