HNTB awarded engineering contract for King of Prussia Rail extension

Jan. 28, 2019

Contract will progress engineering and architectural design to 15 percent with an option to advance design to 30 percent.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

Rendering of the King of Prussia Rail extension traveling along Mall Boulevard.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board voted today to award HTNB, Inc., a contract to advance engineering of the King of Prussia Rail (KOP Rail) extension of the Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL).

This contract will progress the engineering and architectural design from the conceptual Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), completing 15 percent of the total design (Phase 1). An option is also incorporated to continue advancing engineering to 30 percent complete (Phase 2). HTNB, Inc. will be involved in taking into consideration the public's needs as the design is developed and finalized.

The total Phase 1 contract amount is $7,282,209, funded from an existing federal grant. The contract amount for the Phase 2 option is $27,328,176 (subject to availability of funding).

"SEPTA has to look at ways to increase capacity and expand the system to meet current demand and support future growth," said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr. "The King of Prussia Rail project represents the type of investment that can transform mobility - figuratively and literally forming the backbone of an already thriving community."

KOP Rail is SEPTA's proposed extension of the existing NHSL into King of Prussia, providing a "one-seat" ride to King of Prussia from either the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby or the Norristown Transportation Center. The extension is expected to provide better transit service between King of Prussia, Center City and University City - the Greater Philadelphia region's three largest economic hubs.

"It is great to see the project moving forward," said Jerry Sweeney, president and CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, and chairman of the KOP Rail Coalition. "KOP Rail promotes and strengthens regional growth, and is needed to connect the three largest employment centers in the region - King of Prussia, University City and Center City. I am excited to see where this project takes us."

The NHSL currently provides service between SEPTA's 69th Street and Norristown Transportation Centers, serving the Main Line area in Delaware and Montgomery counties, and connecting to Center City Philadelphia.

"Public transportation is an investment in our future," said Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. "The KOP Rail project will play a major role in transforming mobility throughout our region, reducing traffic congestion in the King of Prussia area, and improving the quality of life for generations to come."

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.