If METRO already owns a right-of-way on Westpark, wouldn’t it make more sense to have the alignment on Westpark since there is already a bridge over the Union Pacific rail road on that road?

Q: If METRO already owns a right-of-way on Westpark, wouldn't it make more sense to have the alignment on Westpark since there is already a bridge over the Union Pacific rail road on that road?

A: At first sight, it appears simple, but there are some engineering challenges. Let's review the facts about that right of way:

METRO's right of way begins near Dunlavy extending West to Eagle Lake. The segment from Dunlavy to Wheeler Station where METRO does not own right of way would still have to be studied.
At Dunlavy, the right of way is 25 feet wide and rapidly goes to zero feet, while the minimum width of the light rail right-of-way must be approximately 27 feet. METRO's right of way becomes 50 feet wide just east of Kirby.
Although it is called the Westpark right of way, it is actually an old railroad right of way adjacent to Westpark Drive. This is important because, while there is a bridge on Westpark Drive over the existing Union Pacific Rail Road, METRO's right of way crosses the UPRR at-grade. Therefore, METRO will still have to construct a grade separation at the rail road.