Construction & Transit In Manatee
CONSTRUCTION & TRANSIT IN MANATEE
If you've been following updates recently you'll know that Holt District is in the process of building a new, state-of-the-art LRT system. Including new lines and the existing EL-RAIL system, the vision is to not only serve as transport along major corridors, but have secondary/feeder lines into the majour neighbourhoods all over the region. Today's update takes the tour of the first completed line: In Manatee. We're also going to see some construction along the line's main station, mainly the redevelopment of a portion of the Shorerock Shopping Centre's western parking lots. So let's get a move on and into the update!
25.1 | We begin in South Manatee, where the line nears the border with Norecount. This station, located in the heart of the area that was devastated by the Manatee Tornado, is now open. This early in the morning it doesn't see much activity, with a mostly empty parking lot. The station is gaining traction in the weeks after officially opening to riders.
25.2 | The area hit hard by the tornado is recovering very nicely, with many new homes completed and others well under construction. As part of the LRT line and avenue extension projects, sound walls and treescapes were installed/planted here. It adds a nice touch, perhaps better than backing onto a grass strip.
25.3 | As we move north to downtown we come accross the first in-road station, right by Lowe's and Pine Place Centre, both popular destinations. This also serves residents nearby, and to those working at the HD Police station in the bottom right of this image.
25.4 | On the outer limits of downtown we come accross another station, this one directly in front a large and busy office complexe. This also currently servers as one of two downtown stations, although they're not in the heart of downtown.
25.5 | We now reach the line's main station, across from Shorerock Shopping Centre. The station, which features 2 large parking garages (which also allow mall parking) has a large glass-covered platform. This station also marks where the line begins travelling underground for a short distance. You can also see parking lot redevelopment at the mall from here.
25.6 | The station is nicely landscaped to help break up the large mass of parking garage that's now gracing the landscape. This station is often quite busy, usually the busiest on the line because of its location in the centre of the line, close to the mall, offices, schools and residences. The regional school board is contemplating a switch to LRT transit for some students once the lines pass closer to schools. This would help reduce bussing expenses and redirect funds to educational programs.
25.7 | The first of 2 west-side parking lots have been ripped and have begun being redeveloped at Shorerock. The parking lots will house new office and residential towers and additional retail space. Construction has just begun, so there is still a fair amount to do.
25.8 | With another view of the construction you can notice the now-open pedestrian walkway to the mall. The original plan called for a bridge, but the designer did not account for the train platform in their design, and as such a light was installed instead. The walkway materials will be used on another project. This sometimes causes traffic problems, but the lights have been re-synchronized in the area to ease this congestion.
25.9 | As we head east, towards the water, we reach where the LRT line comes back above ground and intersect with the former EL-RAIL line. Most of the line remains EL-RAIL, however a small portion was converted to LRT to allow integration of the new line with the el-rail system. The old station was demolised and moved north (down in this image) to a large locale.
25.10 | The new station features ample parking for the surrounding areas, and occupies formerly empty land. A building was demolished to allow entry from the main avenue in the area, however unlike the original plan the main entrance was located off the residential road, upgraded to include a signalled intersecion.
25.11 | As night falls, we head back west a litle to view the large under-ground station featuring a beautiful glass atrium. The design has been a hit with residents and has really changed the once dull intersection.
25.12 | As we finish this update, a view of downtown Manatee. This area may, one day, have an LRT line of its own running through it...
-
5
4 Comments
Recommended Comments
Sign In or register to comment...
To comment in reply, you must be a community member
Sign In
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In NowCreate an Account
Sign up to join our friendly community. It's easy!
Register a New Account