Arizona DOT narrows list of Phoenix-Tucson passenger-rail line alternatives

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has narrowed to three the alternative routes for a proposed passenger-rail line between Phoenix and Tucson.

A Green Alternative would run along Interstate 10 between the cities; an Orange Alternative would serve East Valley communities and share part of its alignment with the planned North-South Freeway Corridor; and a Yellow Alternative would serve the East Valley communities and share right of way with Union Pacific Railroad north of Elroy, ADOT officials said in a press release.

ADOT is working with the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and local governments and planning entities in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties to determine which routes to advance for further study.

The three routes were selected based on technical evaluations as well as feedback from 7,000 people across the state who completed surveys on potential routes.

ADOT now will move forward with a Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement. A 45-day public comment period will be slated for next year, along with three public hearings on the document.

Funding for constructing the chosen passenger-rail route has yet to be determined.