Station Planning
Starting in 2010, the Red Rock Corridor Commission will be conducting a study to finalize locations and designs the four proposed transit stations in the corridor. Three of the four transit station locations have been finalized - the former train depot in Hastings, the former Knox Lumber site in Newport and the Lower Afton transit station in St. Paul. There are also two possible transit station locations in Cottage Grove- the former Langdon Village site and the Cottage Grove Park & Ride.

The Station Planning Area Study will start with an extensive public participation process that engages local residents, civic and community organizations, businesses and commuters. Through a series of focus groups, townhall meetings, open houses and visioning sessions, concerned citizens will be able to provide critical feedback and suggestions in station designs.

The design of transit stations will be guided by the following general principles:

  • Use transit to shape the growth of activity centers and community nodes
  • Create a compact mix of land uses that support and benefit from transit service
  • Place highest intensity development nearest to the transit station
  • Provide direct access routes to the transit station areas
  • Design the transit station areas as civic amenities

These general principles will be used by each community to create a unique set of Guiding Principles that begin to define the vision for each station area and become the touchstone to test planning and design ideas against as they are developed and refined going forward.

The study also will provide an assessment of parking and traffic advantages or limitation for the proposed for the proposed station areas. Such assessment would consist of accentuating the following elements.

The Environmental Analysis will begin during the concept development phases. It will continue and proceed as rapidly as possible concluding after the final station area plans/station plans are completed and available for more accurate and intense environmental work.

The study will evaluate transit-oriented development and redevelopment potential with each station. The market assessment will evaluate current and future residential housing, retail and commerce space as well as available land.

Lastly, the Station Planning Area Study will develop preliminary costs estimates, including capital, ongoing operations, and maintenance costs, of the critical public infrastructure improvements needed for each subject station area. In addition, recommendations will be made regarding the priority or phasing of improvements and the responsible parties for implementation. Key costs to be considered include roadway/paving, signals/communication, stations, equipment, right-of-way, utilities, structures, modifications to existing facilities/equipment, and ongoing costs associated with operation and maintenance.

In addition to the preliminary cost estimates, the study will identify and assess significant infrastructure issues related to utilities, streets, sidewalks, and potential environmental contamination associated with the identified station areas.

The study, with a final report detailing station design recommendations, will be concluded in the spring of 2011.


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