What’s the latest on the KOP rail project?

In case you didn’t hear, a 4.5-mile extension of the Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) connecting King of Prussia, Pa., with Center City and University City is in the early stages of development.

The King of Prussia Rail project is expected to cost over $1 billion, and could be up and running as early as 2023, saving passengers between KOP and Philly around 30 minutes of daily travel time.

To get an update on how the project is going, the King of Prussia Rail Coalition is taking the convo online, with a series of webinars explaining the social and economic implications of the project, as well as the latest specs on the transit line.

Up first, on Sept. 18, is SEPTA Director of Strategic Planning and Partnerships Elizabeth Smith, who will lead an online session called KOP Rail: Smart Strategies for Connected Communities.

“King of Prussia Rail is a necessary investment for our region to remain competitive,” said Jerry Sweeney, president and CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust and chair of the King of Prussia Rail Coalition’s Advisory Committee. “The benefits of this project are far-reaching, and we are excited to highlight them throughout this series.”

Here’s a quick explainer video on the project:

As you might expect, a project of this scope is not without its detractors, who cite concerns like the rail’s noise, disruption during construction and an increase in taxes.

Still, those who favor the project hype the potential impact on the town’s economic development. Nick Frontino, of The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, will join an upcoming webinar on that specific topic. A report led by Frontino said the project might double King of Prussia property values over the next two decades.