Frequently Asked Questions - Riverview Corridor
This page provides answers to common questions about the Riverview Corridor modern streetcar project. If you have other questions, please contact the project team.
What groups or committees are making decisions?
Ramsey County is leading the Riverview project, but work is also guided by several stakeholder and community committees. Membership on the Riverview project committees can be found on the project website.
Is Riverview Modern Streetcar like the Blue Line and Green Line light rail?
A modern streetcar has a lot in common with light rail. It can run on the same tracks as light rail and serve the same stations with level boarding. The Riverview project stations will be smaller than Blue and Green Line stations but will have many of the same amenities such as heated shelters, ample lighting, off-board fare collection and signs showing real-time departure times. Modern streetcar vehicles are also typically smaller than light rail vehicles and can operate in shared lanes with cars and trucks. The Riverview project will take advantage of the flexibility of modern streetcar features to design the route and stations to fit into the neighborhood street network.
Has a decision already been made about whether the streetcar will run along the side or center of West 7th Street?
Layout of the streetcar route has not been determined yet. The Riverview project is currently evaluating center- and side-running operations based on safety, impacts and benefits to adjacent properties, pedestrian movement, and other concerns such as existing utilities, while ensuring the streetcar functions as intended.
Is West 7th Street too narrow to effectively fit a streetcar and provide reliable transit service?
The right-of-way on West 7th Street was taken into consideration in the selection of a Locally Preferred Alternative in 2017. The Riverview project will work with Saint Paul and other stakeholders to design the modern streetcar route so that it reflects city priorities for use of public right-of-way, operates efficiently in shared lanes or its own right-of-way and still allows for acceptable traffic flow and pedestrian connectivity.
Have the station locations along the streetcar line been finalized?
The general locations for the planned streetcar stations were identified during the previous study completed in 2017 and are included in the Locally Preferred Alternative. A station area planning effort is underway to more precisely locate station platforms and pedestrian access, and plan for future redevelopment and reinvestment the area surrounding them. Station area plans are anticipated to be completed in 2023.
Has a decision already been made about what vehicle type will be used for the streetcar?
The selection of the modern streetcar vehicle type has not been made. The vehicle will be chosen later in the process based on ridership, cost, fit within the designed guideway, compatibility with Metro Transit maintenance facilities, and other factors.
Is bus rapid transit being considered as an alternative to modern streetcar?
A “best bus” alternative will be developed for comparison to an optimized modern streetcar alternative. This will include exploration of multiple ways to improve the current Route 54 bus service including operating (frequency and span of service) and capital (buses, stations, offboard fare collection, etc.).
Is the Canadian Pacific Spur being considered as an alternative alignment to West 7th Street?
A route using the Canadian Pacific Spur was evaluated during a previous study completed in 2017 but was not selected as the Locally Preferred Alternative due to lower forecasted ridership and limited redevelopment and reinvestment opportunities. More information on the analysis is available on the project website. The Riverview project is focused on preparing concept designs for the adopted Locally Preferred Alternative, which is a modern streetcar generally routed on West 7th Street. Should the Riverview project identify significant concerns with all or a portion of this alignment, alternative alignments, including the Canadian Pacific Spur, will be evaluated.
Why is a route through the Ford Plant/Highland Bridge site not being considered?
A route through the Ford Plant/Highland Bridge site was evaluated during a previous study completed in 2017, but was not selected as the Locally Preferred Alternative due to higher projected operating cost and lower forecasted ridership. More information on the analysis is available on the project website. The Blue Line Riverview Connection Study, led by Ramsey County, is underway to identify transit needs between the 42nd Street Station on Blue Line and Riverview.
Was a Shepard Road alignment considered as an alternative to West 7th Street?
A route on Shepard Road was evaluated during a previous study completed in 2017, but was not selected as the Locally Preferred Alternative because of lower forecasted ridership, susceptibility to flooding near downtown, and limited redevelopment and reinvestment opportunities. More information on the analysis is available on the project website.
How will pedestrians and bicyclists be accommodated along West 7th Street?
Enhanced pedestrian facilities that support safety and accessibility to the planned stations and other portions of West 7th Street affected by the streetcar alignment will be included in all concept designs for the West 7th Street portion of the project. A streetscape plan for West 7th Street will also be prepared as part of the Riverview project. The Riverview project will consider the Saint Paul Bicycle Plan to accommodate all users.
How will the Route 54 bus and other local bus routes be affected?
Although no formal decision has been made, the Riverview Modern Streetcar is expected to replace Metro Transit’s Route 54 bus. Other local bus routes in the project area are expected to remain in service although Metro Transit may adjust their route and frequency.
How will parking on West 7th Street be affected?
On-street parking will likely be removed at station areas and possibly other locations to improve pedestrian facilities; however, the Riverview project will work with the community to prioritize areas to preserve on-street parking and look for places just off West 7th Street to replace lost on-street parking.
Will any businesses be affected or shut down to build the Riverview project?
The Riverview project will try to design the project so that it fits within the right-of-way on West 7th Street and avoid unnecessary impacts to businesses and homes; however, project design has not advanced to a point where specific impacts are known. More information will be shared as the project design advances.
How will the Riverview project impact traffic on the Highway 5 bridge?
The project team is working with MnDOT staff to fully understand how the river crossing concept designs could impact traffic. A traffic analysis of the entire corridor will be conducted as more details of the streetcar route, station locations, and other design elements are developed. Results are anticipated in Fall/Winter 2022.
How are potential impacts to culturally and historically significant areas in the Bdote/Fort Snelling area being managed?
The Riverview project developed two river crossing alternatives in consultation with tribal governments and partners, the National Park Service, state and natural resource agencies, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and other stakeholders. The alternatives being considered through the Bdote/Fort Snelling area are focused on limiting disturbance to culturally and historically significant areas by utilizing the existing tunnel and bridge alignments.