Dann Dobson wrote:
Look at the traffic problems that have developed along the Hiawatha Corridor where cars and light rail are having to compete. It will only be worse on University Avenue.
Traffic isn't that bad on Hiawatha. I drive it frequently. The problems with cross streets have been resolved as far as I can
tell. Sometimes traffic on Hiawatha has to wait a little longer to let the cross traffic clear, but it's no big deal. My understanding is that there are several reasons problems came up with Hiawatha: - Mn/DOT wouldn't spend money on LRT-appropriate signaling and instead went for the cheap stuff. Then they spent lots of time getting that system to work right. It's pretty good now but could have been done right the first time. - Because Hiawatha runs on one side of the corridor, timing is trickier. I don't understand all the engineering reasons for this (can anyone help?) but running Central down the middle of University eliminates this problem.
I haven't seen the designs for University Avenue yet, but do they plan to put crossing gates at every block or have the trains stop for traffic lights?
I think they will follow traffic lights, but there are important things to keep in mind: - Traffic lights are pretty far apart on University, certainly in the Midway area. - Hiawatha runs down the middle of 34th Ave. in Bloomington and causes no traffic problems whatsoever. I have counted one time in all of my numerous travels on Hiawatha that we had to wait for a stoplight on that section. It's timed appropriately. Now, traffic patterns are different in the two corridors but it gives me some idea that this will work.
Let me be very clear, I support light rail in the Central Corridor, I am not an opponent. However it should be along Concordia or St. Anthony Avenues, parallel to I-94
That would be a waste of the development potential of LRT. One whole half of the corridor could not be developed. We need a revitilized University Avenue, and _not_ the big boxes that Kelley brought to the area. LRT has proven redevelopment effects and that does _not_ have to (and should not be allowed to) gentrify the place out of affordability for those who currently live there. A community benefits ordinance would help ensure that. David Greene The Wedge REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
