Quote:
Originally Posted by sentinel1588
I know it probably won't happen, but it would be a dream come true if they could extend the underground portion up to UT.
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It would be cheaper to just bridge over Guadalupe and run the trains above ground between West Capitol and 45th Street, at which point they could run at grade. It will be more visible above grade than below grade, and it's around 2.5 miles of tunneling expenses to avoid. At 45th Street I would start the transition down heading northbound, and at MLK I would start the transition down heading southbound. 4 lanes of traffic, 2 of which are already bus lanes, does not allow much left over for regular traffic if the trains take the remaining 2 lanes. While buses and trains can share the same lanes, they rarely share the same platforms, and will get in each others ways passing one another in the same lane. Not good at all unless the bus or train has another lane to pull into to get out of the way. But there is no room for that additional lane.
South of MLK the streets are one way pairs, and north of 35th street there are additional lanes available so buses and trains can pass each other at grade.
Of course, tunneling solves the room problem just as well, but at a much higher expense. Tunneling in the highly dense central business districts make far more sense than tunneling in a less dense residential district.
I believe construction costs for the entire route will determine if building above or below grade will be the solution built. If the cash is there, expect a longer subway, if not hope for an elevated guideway. Otherwise, homes and businesses will be lost forever making room so trains and buses can pass each other.
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