-Tracks-
Here in Northeast Minneapolis the railroads boomed in the past century. Thus our neighborhoods are crossed by many viaducts and spurs. The railroads brought jobs and business to our corner of the city and also created an interesting street grid. What has been bothering me is the deferred maintenance of many of the lovely viaducts in "lower" Northeast and the street intersections where cars and trains meet (hopefully not at the same time.) Near my home is a busy corridor running from the rail yards near University and Marshal streets to New Brighton and the Northern Suburbs. The line cuts a swath roughly between 35th and 36th avenues NE. This line crosses 3 major thoroughfares; Central, Johnson and 37th Avenue NE. Both the Central and Johnson crossings are in terrible shape. The crossings drop suddenly and bounce back up leaving you with groaning shocks and latte in your lap. Years ago a the double track followed this corridor but reduced traffic lead the single one seen today. The old tracks made the transition using wood which was very smooth but someone deemed that too outdated and ran the blacktop right up to the line. Within a year of rebuilding the crossings the pavement had shifted so much that it is now hazardous. People swerve to the right to avoid the bump and slow down to 15 mph or so but it doesn't make it any better. 40 mph eases the bump but that's also unsafe with an elementary school nearby. When it's icy, cars sometimes fishtail as there wheels bounce over. I would not propose an overpass, I just think that the old wood worked better and was much safer.
I know we are in tight fiscal times but this has been going on since boom times. The concrete bridges in the vicinity of Edison Highschool are all spalling or shooting pieces of concrete out into the roadway with each train passing over. I contacted the Minnesota Preservation Alliance to see if the bridges are historic structures and perhaps protected from such neglect. Nobody's called back as of yet. Does anyone know if the bridges are private property (BN&SF) or a joint ownership between city and private? The Central Avenue coridor recently approved funds to 'improve' the viaduct at 1600 and Central, is any money coming from the rail companies?
-NiMbY and "The Grid" coming soon-
Sean Ryan With a lap of latte in Audubon and from Audubon
Granted some think there are more important issues roaming the city but if butterflies can make it so can my rant. :)
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