Duluth Transportation Center Planning & Federal Funding Support – Duluth, MN

SRF (in partnership with LSA Design) served as the Duluth Transit Authority’s (DTA) owner’s representative for the development of the Duluth Transportation Center. The project focused on selecting the preferred site, defining the scope, managing stakeholder coordination, preparing environmental documentation, and supporting federal funding applications. The facility strengthens multimodal connections across downtown Duluth, Canal Park, and regional transit routes.

Guiding the Duluth Transportation Center Vision

SRF/LSA guided the DTA through the early phases of planning and decision-making for a new multimodal transportation center. Our team assisted with:

• Determining the appropriate project scope
• Identifying the preferred delivery method
• Managing site analysis and project feasibility
• Recommending the type of public-private partnership structure to pursue

SRF also defined the professional service scope, issued the request for proposals (RFP), and evaluated subconsultant teams to ensure the best technical fit for the project.

Planning, Predesign, and Environmental Documentation

SRF supported the DTA through predesign, cost estimating, and extensive stakeholder coordination. Our responsibilities included:

• Facility programming
• Land use and site planning
• Cost estimation for multiple configuration options
• Coordination with city partners, agencies, and community stakeholders

To secure approvals, SRF prepared the documented Categorical Exclusion required for federal environmental clearance. This streamlined the process and kept the project moving on schedule.

Federal Funding Support

SRF prepared multiple federal funding applications, including:

• A TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant application
• Supporting documentation for a Livability Grant
• State of Good Repair program submissions

These efforts resulted in $16 million in federal funding awarded to the project.

Site Evaluation and Community Engagement

Three potential downtown Duluth sites were evaluated for feasibility, access, operations, and long-term development potential. As part of this process, SRF helped educate the public, present alternatives, and build community support for the selected site.

Facility Design and Multimodal Connectivity

The final design accommodates:

• Eight bus bays and motor coaches
• Passenger transfers and layover operations
• Connections to downtown Duluth, Canal Park, and existing DTA routes

The center enhances opportunities for multimodal transportation, providing linkages for:

• Local and regional transit
• Inner-city bus carriers
• Taxis and rideshare
• Bicycles
• Pedestrians
• Adjacent structured parking

SRF’s Services

• Programming
• Market analysis management
• Land use planning
• Grant management assistance
• Concept and final design
• Architecture
• Transit planning
• Development management
• Joint development solicitation
• Owner’s representative services
• Historic district design
• Environmental approvals

Resource Link:
Duluth Transit Authority
Duluth Transportation Center

Internal Categories:
Transit Planning, Design & Implementation
Urban Mobility
Community Planning
Funding & Grants

More from:
Minneapolis, MN