HRT: Light rail through Hilltop would cost $1.3B

City of Virginia Beach

“Bringing a light-rail route to the Hilltop area would draw more commuters and tourists than earlier options but would cost nearly $300 million more and disrupt twice as many homeowners and businesses, project leaders said Tuesday. Executives from Hampton Roads Transit unveiled a $1.3 billion price tag for running a train from Newtown Road through the upscale Hilltop section and on to the Oceanfront. City Council members sat quietly throughout the presentation.

Construction could begin no sooner than 2018 - no matter which of three HRT options or others being floated is selected - and the project faces significant financial and political hurdles. HRT President and CEO William Harrell said that by 2034, the Hilltop route is projected to attract a minimum of 8,845 ‘boardings’ per weekday in Virginia Beach - the most of the three routes.”

~Writes John Holland of Virginian-Pilot

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