Whither Rail Route?

A map of the recommended route

City transportation officials last week moved toward finalizing a recommended route for either urban rail or a rapid bus line. The 9-mile stretch would run from Highland Mall on one of two potential paths – Airport Boulevard or along I-35 – to Hancock Center, continuing down Red River to the UT Campus and Downtown, crossing Lady Bird Lake, and turning southeast to East Riverside. Transit authorities have considered crossing the river via tunnel, but costs and logistical constraints make a new bridge a more likely option. The Central Corridor Advisory Group meets again in May to vote on a "preferred alternative," and the proposal next goes to City Coun­cil, which is expected to place the measure on the November ballot. Meanwhile, a long list of questions still need to be answered related to costs, station locations, and management of the line.