Project Lifecycle

The project team will first study current conditions in the area, then develop design options for review. The community can give feedback during two engagement periods: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. The project is currently in the “Project Planning” phase of the FRA Project Lifecycle.

1. Systems Planning: Identify transportation needs and priorities across states, regions and corridors, and determine which projects should move forward.
2. WE ARE HERE - Project Planning: Define the project’s purpose and need, develop early concepts, consider different options and engage stakeholders.
3. Project Development: Complete environmental reviews and preliminary engineering, develop cost and schedule estimates, plan project finances and management, develop a procurement strategy and secure stakeholder agreements.
4. Final Design: Complete the engineering and final cost and schedule, finalize procurement and project agreements, confirm management and financial plans, acquire needed right-of-way and complete any early work or relocations.
5. Construction: Build the project, acquire and install equipment and utilities, manage financing and construction, and test and commission the completed work.
6. Operation: Put the project into use, assess its benefits and performance, and review what we can learn from the project.