This is generating a lot of very good commentary!
There is one more angle we need to consdier here, which is the simple reality that while Midway has as many jobs as Downtown, the freeway access is comparatively terrible. As someone who until recently commuted around Snelling and University, it was unbearable at 3:00. Things all around there are totally messed up.
Now, Dakota County Commishes might be looking at their little problem and thinking that Ayd Mill will solve it. They're hopelessly wrong, in that there will ALWAYS be a problem getting to where the jobs are. Getting to Snelling of the 8-lane monster of I-94 is one thing, but getting through that region after 7:30 in the morning is next to impossible.
I think we have to push another solution. Ready? (drum roll ...)
There is a rail line right there at Montreal that would, strangely, be the best connection from downtown to the airport. It would have to cross the Mississippi around the Ford Plant, but other than that it connects Highland and a lot of other things.
Somewhere in there is a perfect park and ride lot. I don't know how the times correspond with airport peaks, but I'm sure that can be worked out in part. By building the line from Hiwatha to Highland to West Seventh to Union Depot, all we need is the Red Rock Line to take people the rest of the way to an entirely new commuting corridor in Midway.
This would be far, far cheaper than any Lite Rail plan along either corridor, and likely cheaper than a direct (highway) connection of Ayd Mill. In addition, it would actually *solve* the commuter crunch that is generated by so many jobs and so little capacity.
Erik Hare [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.comcast.net/~wabbitoid/ Irvine Park, West End, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, North America, Earth
Fine Amish furniture, cedar chests, and crafts http://www.harmonycedar.com
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