This issue of speed on Hwy 55 appears like it could be very important to the success of the light rail line.Speed limit may rise on Hwy. 55 through Minneapolis http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3446197.html
While, I've always felt like the notion of connecting downtown with the airport and Mall of America makes sense. It is also important that the route be conducive to pedestrian development and traffic.
I'm concerned to hear that Hwy 55 has been built with plans for higher speeds all along. I'm wondering, if there are any realistic plans for pedistrian/light rail friendly development along a road that has been designed for higher speed automobile traffic.
I'm continually disturbed by the notion that I keep hearing, from those who don't really plan to ride light rail, that it should be built along freeways or existing rail tracks - as opposed to along business routes that people actually want to visit.
Cars are attracted to FREEWAYS and HIGHWAYS, because of the opportunity they provide to move fast towards ones destinations. When I ride public transportation, speed is less an issue than convenience. Getting dropped off on a highway, 6 blocks from anything that I might want to visit - is not convenience and is not a good sign for our light rail.
Can we really mix the needs of cars to drive fast and the needs of light rail riders in the same corridor? Maybe this has been accounted for, however this mornings news is some cause for concern.
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Speed limit may rise on Hwy. 55 through Minneapolis
Laurie Blake, Star Tribune
Published Nov. 21, 2002
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3446197.html
"Responding to motorists' desires to drive faster than 35 miles per hour on Hwy. 55 through south Minneapolis, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is considering raising the posted speed limit."
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Tim Erickson
St. Paul, Minnesota
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com
St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722
[EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 105978430
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