Questions + Answers
About the Red Line and Its Construction
Can we reflect on current plans for the Red Line plan in our proposal (i.e. critique current proposals and comment on how they can be improved)?
We expect participants to use the Locally Preferred Alternative as the basis of their submissions. This competition is not the forum to comment on the alignment; rather, submissions should focus upon maximizing opportunities to improve the experience of construction for communities using the LPA as the framework.
What is the sequence of construction? What is the length of disruption?
MTA has not determined the exact sequence of construction. However, we do know that construction will take place in multiple areas simultaneously.
Disruption time will depend on the area impacted and what type of construction is necessary. For example, where the Red Line is to be in a tunnel, the primary public impacts will be at the location of stations and ventilation shafts. These can take 2 to 4 years to construct, depending on field conditions. In-street construction can be disruptive particularly during the period of relocating utilities, while the actual Red Line alignment construction is somewhat less disruptive. Every effort will be made to minimize disruptions to auto and pedestrian traffic and to minimize disruptions for local businesses. The overall project construction period, including utility relocation, is approximately 5 years.
What are the eight different “contracts” of the simultaneous construction? Will there be construction staging areas or hubs?
The “contract packages” will be determined during the next two years. Different packages will include utility relocation; civil construction such as tunnels and at-grade track, power, and signal systems; vehicles; etc. There will definitely be staging areas that will be used for varying amounts of time, but the locations of these have not been determined. Staging areas will be screened, and measures will be taken to control dust and noise.
How can people know what issues should be addressed? What has come from the community about “decoration” or mitigation specifics? (goals vs. methods)
At this point, communities have only broadly identified impacts of concern. The next phase of the project, where a Final Environmental Impact Statement is prepared, is when specific mitigation measures will be developed and committed. In addition to reviewing the RFP, we also recommend reviewing the Red Line Community Compact, which contains a comprehensive list of goals and strategies that local stakeholders identified as important for economic development, environmental sustainability, transit-oriented development, and construction mitigation. From input we have received through the Station Area Advisory Committees, communities value decorative elements that celebrate their history and future and “tell their story.”
Finally, we recommend reviewing documents for the Sound Transit (Seattle) light rail projects and the Minneapolis “Central Corridor” light rail project. These two current projects are the most similar recent New Starts projects to the Red Line.
Are there going to be parking lots at each station?
Most stations will be oriented to the local community and will not include parking. Large lots are planned for I-70 Park and Ride and Bayview MARC, and small lots are planned for Security Square Mall and Canton Crossing. The existing lots at the West Baltimore MARC Station will also be utilized.
About the Scope and Implementation of Ideas
Is the idea more important than the feasibility or budget involved with the final execution of the project? How specific does the idea need to be? If it isn't something the MTA has to do for construction, would they even consider funding it?
This is an “ideas challenge.” MTA seeks creative and effective mitigation measures that are acceptable to the affected community. Cost is a necessary condition, but IT is considered relative to THE effectiveness of the impact mitigated. We recognize that not every idea comes with a fully described implementation plan. MTA will consider funding ideas that fit within the parameters of the project, whether those be funding, mitigation requirements, or community desires.
Can we analyze multiple sections along the corridor plan, i.e. a 2-mile stretch and then another Ω-mile stretch, etc.
Yes. Please provide appropriate images and/or language to clearly identify location, if applicable. General ideas for improving the construction experience for communities along the route are also welcome (i.e. “Wherever MTA has to do X activity, propose Y mitigation technique.”). Remember, proposals farther than ½ mile from the Red Line route will not be considered.
What about the potential for permanent projects? Will this project be covered by 1% for Art?
While the cityís “1% for Art” ordinance does not apply to the Red Line, MTA has committed that public art will be incorporated into the project. MTA and city staff are working closely together on this project, including the coordination of public art. Ideas that could become part of the “legacy” of the Red Line will also be viewed favorably, but not to the exclusion of ideas that are specific to the construction period.
Is there negotiation possible if the project is overly ambitious? Can components be extracted to increase their feasibility?
At this point, we are in the “idea-generation” phase. Ideas that are grand in scope but are also segmentable or could be reduced/expanded in scale will be viewed favorably.
About the Open City Challenge Process
Will you host a bulletin board for people looking for partners/collaborators?
No.
Is there only one fee at the time that the posters are submitted?
Yes. For each board you submit, you must send in the $30 processing fee. You can submit as many boards as you like. Remember, this is a blind competition. Your name will not be associated with any board(s) until winners are selected.
Does the poster have to be mounted on poster board?
Yes. Detailed submission guidelines are in the RFP.
Can there be more than one submission (different ideas/concepts) for this?
Yes. Please submit separate ideas individually, on separate boards with additional submission fees.
Are there going to be multiple monetary prizes or just one grand prize of $10,000?
As the RFP states, there will be one grand prize of $6,000 and two $2,000 prizes. There will also be a number of honorable mentions.
What kinds of graphics (photos, drawings, etc.) are available for the stations or the spaces that may need projects proposed?
We would encourage you to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which contains numerous drawings and graphics. Unfortunately, these images may not be available for download at this time.
Is there a possibility for a continued relationship between the proposer and the Red Line?
Yes. There would be many procurement and contractual issues to be worked through, but we would most likely be interested in an ongoing relationship with the proposer.