Capitol Expressway Corridor
VTA has prepared a Draft Supplemental EIR to address proposed project design changes resulting from preliminary engineering. The Supplemental EIR addresses changes that have occurred since the Final EIR was certified in May 2005. Due to the nature of the design changes, VTA determined that additional environmental review would be necessary that would require minor change to specific sections of the Final EIR. No changes to the project are proposed south of Eastridge Transit Center.
View Capitol Expressway Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
The Draft Supplemental EIR includes several key changes:
- Capital Avenue/Capital Expressway: Original FEIR required the acquisition of four properties. Under the current proposal no property acquisition would be required.
- Story Road Aerial Station: Original FEIR projected four pedestrian over-crossings and a drop-off facility. The current proposal eliminates the drop-off facility and two of the four over-crossings.
- Ocala Station: Original FEIR located the station between Ocala and Cunningham. The current proposal moves the station closer to Ocala.
- Tully Road Crossing: Original FEIR approved a tunnel underneath Tully Road. The current proposal eliminates the tunnel and replaces it with an aerial crossing over Tully Road.
- Eastridge Transit Center: Original FEIR included a single platform station and a reconfigured transit center. The current proposal is for a double platform station and reconfigured transit center.
In May 2005, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) completed the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Downtown East Valley Capitol Expressway Light Rail Corridor. Through Preliminary Design several project modifications are being studied, which alter the Final EIR. As a result, VTA is developing a Supplemental EIR, which will be available for public review in Spring 2007.
View Capitol Expressway Final Environmental Impact Report
There are three volumes: 1) EIR Text, 2) Recommended Light Rail Alternative and Responses to Comments, and 3) Technical Appendices. A separate link is provided to each section of the document for your viewing convenience.
The Final EIR includes the following revisions to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR):
- Identification of the Light Rail Alternative between the Alum Rock Light Rail Transit Station and Nieman Boulevard as the "Recommended Alternative" for improving direct transit service in the Capitol Expressway Corridor.
- Documentation and response to agency and public comments on the Draft EIS/EIR.
- Revision and correction of the Draft EIS/EIR in response to comments.
The Final EIR is no longer a joint state and federal environmental document. The change was made because opportunities to secure federal funds have diminished and the continuation of the federal environmental process would result in substantial delays and costs. VTA will continue with the state environmental process only.
Santa Clara/Alum Rock Corridor
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement /Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) is near completion. The Draft EIS/EIR includes studies for an Enhanced Bus Alternative and Single Car Light Rail Alternative for the Santa Clara/Alum Rock Corridor. VTA anticipates board approval in early 2008.
Monterey Highway Corridor
No environmental studies work is being completed at this time. Until conceptual engineering work for the Monterey Highway Corridor progresses to approximately 65%, it is difficult to determine what type environmental document will be required for this corridor.
