This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
2/24/2023
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority yesterday awarded a $125 million contract to HNTB Corp. for the final design phase of the King of Prussia Rail Project.
The project calls for extending the existing Norristown High Speed Line by 4 miles into King of Prussia, providing a "one-seat ride" from any station along the line, SEPTA officials said in a press release. The project also aims to connect the three largest employment hubs in the region, increasing access to 60,000 jobs.
The contract will advance the engineering and architectural design from 30% complete to final design, which is required for the project to be eligible for funds from the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, SEPTA officials said.
SEPTA included $390 million for the project in its 2023 capital budget. The transit authority will seek a CIG grant to support up to 60% of the total project cost. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 if full funding is secured.
Meanwhile, SEPTA also awarded a $714 million contract to Alstom Transportation Inc. for the purchase of modern, fully Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant trolley vehicles to replace SEPTA's aging trolley fleet, SEPTA officials said.
Trolley modernization is a key component of SEPTA Forward, the transit authority's strategic plan, which aims to create a "lifestyle transit network" that can be used for any kind of trip, not just morning and evening commutes, SEPTA officials said.
Under the contract, Alstom will deliver 130 trolleys with the option to order up to 30 additional vehicles. Delivery of the new trolleys is scheduled to begin in 2027 with full fleet delivery by the end of 2030.
The new trolleys will be longer and have higher capacity to move more passengers, SEPTA officials said. They'll also feature low floors and ramps, wider pathways, audio and visual messaging systems, and designated open space for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and bikes.