As many of you know, the current 244 surface park and ride stalls at the East Creek Park and Ride facility are near capacity and the facility needs to be expanded. We’ve seen the figures and we’ve heard the comments from our East Creek riders.

In 2007 the East Creek Station Park and Ride CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality – a federal program) grant submittal was approved for the construction of 450 park and ride stalls, a transit station and busway. The new 450 stalls will be structured parking (a ramp), and the station will include passenger waiting areas along with vending and restroom facilities.

The total project is estimated to cost $9.7 million dollars with $7.8 coming from the federal government (CMAQ grant funding), and the remaining $1.9 million coming from a combination of state and local sources.

Bidding for the construction of the ramp and station is expected to take place in the spring/summer of 2012, with construction beginning later in the summer/fall and an opening of the new facility occurring by the fall of 2013. 

While plans are still being worked on, it is likely that current users of the East Creek lot will be relocated to another facility during the construction.  However, once open the new facility will provide an opportunity for SouthWest to meet current and future growth, provide a climate controlled space to catch a bus, and will allow SouthWest to expand/add new services to and from the facility.

SouthWest is also in discussion with private developers to develop approximately one acre of land currently set aside for future development use.  Options for the site include office, neighborhood commercial, and day care. 

Proposed plans are posted in the shelter at East Creek. Watch the website for more details as plans progress.