Midwest Connect passenger rail project advances, adds HNTB expertise to prepare service development plan
A collaborative effort to connect Chicago, Fort Wayne, Ind., Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh with passenger rail service is gaining momentum with the addition of HNTB Corporation’s expertise. The City of Fort Wayne, in partnership with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), recently retained HNTB Corporation to assist with implementing the Midwest Connect Corridor Identification and Development (CID) grant.
In December 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the City of Fort Wayne a $500,000 Corridor Identification and Development grant. The federal grant funds the development of a scope, schedule and budget for performing corridor planning and preparing a Service Development Plan to implement passenger rail service from Pittsburgh to Chicago via Fort Wayne and Columbus.
HNTB was awarded up to $450,000 to review past studies, remaining gaps, and establish the scope, schedule, and budget for the remaining planning work for the program. The contract for these initial tasks goes through June 2025.
HNTB, a consultant with extensive experience in transportation planning and design, has worked on more than 40 passenger rail corridors nationwide. HNTB played a key role in preparing the CID grant request and offers fully integrated services for all project phases, including feasibility studies, planning, environmental review, conceptual design, final design and construction management.
“This is a major step forward in the public-private effort to reconnect Central Ohio to the nation’s passenger rail network,” said William Murdock, MORPC Executive Director. “This partnership across several states helps to advance the required work to qualify for federal funds for implementation. It builds on years of work showing passenger rail is a critical investment for prosperity and attracting talent.”
Passenger rail on the Midwest Connect Corridor has garnered support from several key stakeholders, including the Northern Indiana Passenger Rail Association (NIPRA), Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG), Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council (NIRCC), Lima/Allen County Regional Planning Commission (LACRPC), Licking County Area Transportation Study (LCATS), Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA), and Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission (BHJTS) and All Aboard Ohio.
“This project represents a transformative opportunity for our region,” said Parag Agrawal, Chief Mobility & Infrastructure Officer & Senior Director of Programming at MORPC. “By enhancing connectivity and accessibility, we are not only fostering economic development but also promoting sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for the future.”
Learn more about the Midwest Connect Passenger Rail - Corridor Identification & Development at https://engage.cityoffortwayne.org/midwest-connect-passenger-rail-corri….
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is Central Ohio’s voice. As a Regional Council with nearly 90 local governments and community partners, we provide nonpartisan data analysis, community resources and long-range planning. Together, we drive the future prosperity and sustainability of the Central Ohio region. Learn more at www.morpc.org.
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