Hampton Roads Transit to host hearings on proposed light-rail extension

As Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) mulls extending transit lines to Virginia Beach, Va., it has arranged a series of public hearings in April to gather additional input.

The meetings follow the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement that explores four alternatives for the extension.

Each alternative proposes extending transit via The Tide light-rail system as well as through bus rapid transit, providing a total of eight build options. All options would begin at The Tide's Newtown Road Station.

The shortest option would terminate at a new station at Town Center in Virginia Beach, extending three miles, and the longest build alternative runs 13.5 miles from Newton Road to the Oceanfront resort area, according to an HRT press release.

Additionally, a no-build option is also up for consideration.

Filed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the study weighs the potential benefits and impacts associated with the extension project. For each alternative, it also provides projected figures for ridership, as well as capital and operating costs.

In advance of the public hearings, HRT also plans to host an information session on March 30.