03-25-2016, 05:07 PM
(03-25-2016, 02:13 PM)MacBerry Wrote:(03-23-2016, 04:35 PM)ijmorlan Wrote: Why is an overpass being considered? Given the existing hill, and the need for accessibility, it seems an underpass would work much better. With an underpass, essentially one just takes the entire grade change North of the tracks instead of gradually over the entire distance between Victoria and Breithaupt as now. With an overpass, one has to go up (quite far, given the clearances required for the rail line), then back down on the other side. For people in wheelchairs, this could be the difference between one elevator trip and two (depending on the exact grades).
If something is to be built, IMO a bridge allows one to be seen while using this crossing. It is better than taking a tunnel where one is isolated on a likely low use connection. My position is a bridge or tunnel is a very expensive solution for a few hundred homes. There is no user reason to build a bridge or tunnel without data that justifies such a high cost.
Safety for individuals using the connection does need to be considered. However, it needs to be considered in context and balanced off against other criteria. In this specific context, one end of the tunnel would essentially be right in the bus terminal area, at the grade of Victoria Street, and the other could rise up to grade immediately North of the tracks. So we’re not talking about a long and isolated tunnel. The whole thing is at a busy site. One elevator rather than two also reduces the number of hidden areas. With a bridge there is an area that can only be reached (and left) by stairs/elevator. With the tunnel both parts — above and below the stairs/elevator — can be reached (and left) without changing elevation. Additionally, the tunnel is more useable and so may attract more traffic, helping to avoid the issue of a low-traffic connection