Planning staff brief commission on Central Subway supplemental EIS/EIR; alternatives and schedule outlined

The Planning Commission received an informational presentation on the Central Subway Phase 2 draft supplemental EIS/EIR on Nov. 1. Joan Cooper of the Planning Department and John Fungi, Central Subway program manager, outlined alternatives, proposed station locations and the environmental schedule.

Staff described three primary alternatives: the no‑project baseline; an enhanced version of the 1998 EIS alignment using cut‑and‑cover and shallow sections; and a deep‑tunnel option (Alternative 3a) and a hybrid surface/tunnel option (3b) that use a tunnel‑boring machine with reduced surface disruption. Proposed stations include Moscone, a Market/Union Square station with potential concourse connections to Powell, and a Chinatown terminal; Alternative 3b also proposes a Fourth/Brannan surface station near the portal.

Costs and schedule items were highlighted: the supplemental review is intended to respond to alignment changes since 1998, a record of decision is anticipated in 2008, construction start is estimated around 2010 and revenue service about 2016, with large capital costs varying by alternative. Staff emphasized public outreach and multiple community meetings during the draft review period.

Commissioners asked technical questions about TBM extraction, station turns and the limits of the project boundary (Jackson Street). Staff confirmed many technical issues will be addressed in the response to comments and final documents; public hearings on the draft EIS/EIR are scheduled to gather formal input.

Next steps: ongoing public review and comment period, responses to comments and an anticipated record of decision in 2008 to enable final design.