The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel project has been released, recommending “Alternative 3 – Two New Tunnels” as the Preferred Alternative for construction. To learn more about the study and the next steps, there is a community meeting TONIGHT from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Capitol Skyline Hotel at 10 Eye Street, SW.
For a summary of the key highlights, and comments from neighbors, visit JDLand.
Tonight’s meeting will include a presentation on the details about construction and will include a brief time to ask questions of the project team. If you need special accommodations or language assistance services please email contact@virginiaavenuetunnel.com or leave a message at (202) 681-0646.
Opponents of the project argue that the city has made back room deals with CSX and rubber stamped approvals for building permits; these are issues that are sure to come up tonight.
In a statement from the developers:
Under the process prescribed by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the agencies considered the alternatives outlined in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), released in July 2013, and determined that Alternative 3 best meets the project’s purpose and need while addressing community concerns and minimizing impacts to the tunnel’s neighbors.
Alternative 3 has the shortest construction timeframe of the build alternatives considered (approximately 30 to 42 months). It addresses community concerns about moving trains through an open trench during construction by operating trains in an enclosed tunnel at all times in front of residences. It also maintains access for residents and emergency responders to all homes and cross-streets during the entire construction process.
The FEIS and a fact sheet are available atwww.virginiaavenuetunnel.com and copies of the FEIS are available for review at the following locations:
- Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Place SW, Washington, DC 20024
The FEIS will be available for review for 30 days before an official decision is released, called the Record of Decision (ROD). After the conclusion of the review period, FHWA will issue a Record of Decision, which provides the basis for the decision, summarizes mitigation measures incorporated into the project and documents any required Section 4(f) approval. Dependent upon the decision in the ROD, CSX will share additional information about timing and other specifics.