SEPTA Rail To King Of Prussia Approved

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — SEPTA has officially approved a plan to extend the Norristown High Speed Line into King of Prussia after a vote by their Board on Thursday.

The project is not yet fully approved; organizers must still put together a final environmental impact statement, hold public hearings on that document, and have it approved. However, Thursday's vote marks the most concrete step yet in expanding the rail into King of Prussia, an idea which has been bandied about for years.

"King of Prussia Rail is a critical initiative in SEPTA's efforts to connect the region for more integrated mobility, and enhance the area's economic vitality, sustainability and quality of life," said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon, Sr. in a statement.

SEPTA's Board approved the "Locally Preferred Alternative" or PECO/1st Avenue route on Thursday, choosing that option from more than 30 alternatives that were put on the table. That option would extend the rail by 4.5 miles on an elevated platform, and include five station stops.

SEPTA says that the rail would reduce travel time between Center City and King of Prussia by 30 minutes each way. It also improves the region's sustainability and walkability, while finally providing a rail link to one of the greater Philadelphia area's economic hotspots.

“The King of Prussia Rail Coalition enthusiastically supports SEPTA’s decision to adopt the Locally Preferred Alternative and sees this as a major step forward for our region,” said Jerry Sweeney, President and CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, and Chair of the King of Prussia Rail Coalition’s Advisory Committee, in a statement. “Investments like the King of Prussia Rail are necessary for our region to maintain its competitive advantage."

The final environmental impact statement, which will mark the final phase of the project's approval, is expected to be released at some point in 2019, officials said.

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