Public can comment on ONT Connector | News | fontanaheraldnews.com

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority is seeking public feedback on environmental documents for the proposed ONT Connector project that would build an underground tunnel between the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station and the Ontario International Airport (ONT).

The 4.2-mile tunnel would be located under Milliken Avenue and East Airport Drive. The project includes the construction of three shuttle stations and an emergency access vent shaft.

An 18,000-square-foot station and an adjacent maintenance facility are set to be built at the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station in Rancho Cucamonga. Additionally, two 10,000-square-foot stations would be constructed at ONT, across from terminals 2 and 4 in the city of Ontario.

Autonomous, zero-emission shuttles would transport passengers between the train station and airport and provide a much-needed rail-to-air connection for travelers and employees seeking an efficient alternative to driving to the airport.

As part of the required research and planning, studies have been conducted to assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. Under the California Environmental Quality Act, a draft environmental impact report (DEIR) has been prepared. And under the National Environmental Policy Act, an environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared.

The documents are available for public review and comment. All feedback must be received by Dec. 2, for consideration during the environmental phase. Visit goSBCTA.com/ONTConnector to view the DEIR and EA, or to find a list of locations with printed copies publicly available.

A virtual public hearing is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the project and the environmental studies, and to provide feedback. The public hearing will be held via Zoom and everyone interested in attending is encouraged to register at bit.ly/ONTPublicHearing. Spanish translation will be available.

Since 2008, SBCTA and other agencies have assessed several transit concepts that would connect to ONT. A 2018 Hybrid Rail Planning Study found that a shuttle-style service from the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station would be needed to support the projected growth of ONT, which could reach 30 million annual passengers by 2045.

Located in Rancho Cucamonga’s new modern living and entertainment HART district, the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station is poised to become the district’s anchor and a critical intermodal hub with future construction of the Brightline West high-speed rail station, bus accommodations for the West Valley Connector bus rapid transit route, accessibility to Rancho Cucamonga’s 6th Street Bicycle Track and the proposed ONT Connector shuttle station.

Learn more about ONT Connector at goSBCTA.com/ONTConnector.

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