Very impressive. But in the article itself, there's this reference:
"A sunken interstate also would open up land for development."
Not much "development" in the picture, is there...just nice grassy parkland with folks strolling. So which will it be? A Wal-mart or a park?
And has anyone considered the irony that at the same time Birmingham is talking about burying the currently raised I-59/20, they're talking about raising Highway 280 on the South end of town.
Make up your mind!
I"m glad I moved out of Birmingham a few years ago!
ReplyDelete1. What are they going to do with the Malfunction Junction traffic while doing the big dig? And will it improve the traffic flow?
2. I would not want to be on either the upper or lower roadway if 280 is elevated. That structure looks flimsy.
The "land for development" would be the areas flanking the service roads that are currently undesirable because they face into an elevated interstate.
ReplyDeleteThat elevated 280 rendering has always bothered me. How do the cars all have shadows, but not the gigantic concrete deck? Luckily, the lack of shadows allows those pretty plants to grow in the median. Wait, when did 280 get a median?
To answer Jay's first questions (as best I can), the design intent is to improve traffic flow as well as aesthetics. The preliminary traffic engineering has indicated that it would be an improvement. More detailed studies are just beginning. As for the logistics of constructing it, let's just say it will be a mess. But reports are that the existing bridge deck is near the end of its service life and you'd probably have the same mess replacing it, without the other benefits.
Welcome to "Birming-damn, the 'Tragic City'."
ReplyDeleteLeave now while you have a chance.