It’s been years that the residents and workers along the 3rd St. corridor, SOMA, Central Waterfront and Potrero Hill have been waiting for the MUNI 3rd St. light rail. We have all seen the progress over the last few months as stations/stops seem to be getting their finishing touches. But when do we get to ride already?
A little history (from the MUNI website):
Construction on Phase 1 of the light rail line began in 2001 and is anticipated to last until late 2005 (woooops)
- Phase 1 will extend Muni Metro light rail service south from its current terminal at Fourth and King Streets. The line will cross the Fourth Street Bridge and run along Third Street and Bayshore Boulevard, ending at the Bayshore CalTrain Station in Visitacion Valley. Tracks will be constructed primarily in the center of the street to improve safety and reliability and 19 stops will be provided. This phase of the light rail project is expected to open for service in 2006.
- Phase 2 will extend light rail service north from King Street along Third Street, entering a new Central Subway near Bryant Street, crossing beneath Market Street and running under Geary and Stockton Streets to Stockton and Clay Streets. Underground subway stations will be located at Moscone Center, Market Street, Union Square and Clay Street in Chinatown. Muni and the City are actively pursuing funding for the Central Subway.
- A new Metro East Operating and Maintenance Facility will be built on approximately 13 acres at 25th and Illinois Streets to store, maintain and dispatch light rail vehicles.
How long is construction going to last on Third Street?
Construction along Third Street started in May 2002 and will be complete in mid-2006 (we are just about there, but no trains have started to test run–still several months away).
When will the Third Street Light Rail Line start running?
Revenue service on Third Street is anticipated to begin operating in December 2006 (and I have heard rumors that it will not be until early 2007).
Hang tight–hopefully we’ll be able to ride within a year…
Filed under: 3rd St., neighborhood changes , 'hood changes, Central Waterfront
