Quote:
Originally Posted by Summerville
The Docklands Light Rail in London comes to mind. It travels above neighbourhoods that are much more dense than Halifax. And it also tunnels under the Thames
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The DRL is quite different in that the elevated sections mainly re-purposes historic stone and brick rail viaducts rather than new structures that would have NIMBY opposition. Plus London has had urban rail transport for upwards of 150 years and people are accustomed to it. And while there is a desire for historic preservation (which is actually supported by the re-purposing of historic viaducts), you don't have people demanding to have the city reject anything "big city" and an obsession with pretending to be a small town. I think those factors would make it very difficult to create new rail viaducts here in an urban setting.
I can see an elevated structure working well in some places however. Like the stretch above the Atlantic Forces parking strip by Valour Way. Or a structure above the rail tracks along Bedford Basin as that might be easier to fit than extra ground-level tracks. But not above city streets which isn't just something I fear others would oppose but also something I'd oppose myself in most cases.In London the viaducts don't tend to be above city streets except for bridges crossing the street.