Ambulances To Pay Tolls?
First responders are worried they may not get an exemption to the Narrows tolls according to the Tribune today.
We’re feeling rather prescient, considering that our satire a few weeks ago had first responders upset that they wouldn’t be exempt from paying fines for running red lights.
We thought we were a little over the top back then but …
Maybe we’ll be seeing that Carl’s Jr in the Pantages lobby after all.
Link to The News Tribune
9 comments
J John Sherman August 12, 2008
Build over main-line railroad track? Sounds good; except for, the trains that transport hazardous materials or liquids that would pass below such an overhead development.
Many people still remember the rail-tank-car fire that burned under the 509-bridge by Portland avenue; it follows, just don’t build stuff over main-line railroad tracks or rail switching yards.
From my memory, the Tacoma City Council already presented public information about the future trains numbers will increase; for example, how the number of trains moving along these track will increase in future years, so, just some simple logic thought results: more trains on the tracks might also indicate more hazardous materials will also be moving or stopping as these trains cargoes pass through the City of Tacoma and traveling next to the Foss Waterway new urban centers and under bridges that already exist within Tacoma.
K kbce August 12, 2008
An intriguing thought, yes. However, I’d prefer if the City focused efforts on more tangible and cost-effective measures for the time… like improving transportation within the city and encouraging business and (affordable) residential development.
Last time I checked, there was a bridge from downtown to the waterfront, especially one that many seem to be in love with… Play with the Murray Morgan a little bit, make it structurally sound for pedestrian and mass transit use, then throw a quaint little pedestrian bridge back over to the waterfront trail that’s supposed to run from Ruston to Thea Foss…
My guess is the cost will be about the same for all that as it’d be for a brand new bridge to downtown or Stadium Way from the waterfront… or to build some sort of park over the railroad or something along those lines.
M morgan August 12, 2008
This concept should be standard in any negotiations with BNSF. I’ve seen photos of what they did in Vancouver BC – awesome.
J J. Cote August 13, 2008
Anybody that has ever seen video of a rail car burning inside a tunnel will know why this has got to be the most dangerous idea in the world.
I agree with John Sherman #1 in that there are far too many hazardous chemicals rolling through Tacoma to warrant this. The cost is also prohibitive as there is little money to go around right now. Maybe in 10-12 years when the freeloaders with their abatements start paying their share of what it takes to run this City.
T TacomAroma August 13, 2008
We should definitely put a lid over the tracks and the “freeway” cutting off downtown from the water. The train tracks don’t need to be fully enclosed though – the design should be more like a concrete snow shed, with one side open for ventilation and emergency access.
J J. Cote August 14, 2008
C’mon, guys. think reality. There are just WAY too many other things that need to be done before such a venture is even considered. I think of you guys as great thinkers. Bright, intelligent idealist, young people that know how to think.
THINK of a way to solve the things that need to be solved and can REALISTICALLY be don sometime within this decade.
Covering the tracks, closing I-705, streetcars all around town. These things will not get done in my lifetime. I’m 50, BTW, on the 17th and I feel like you all do. I want to make a difference for my kids and for theirs.
I’ll bet that one of you, or all collectively, could figure a way to catch the Methane that’s being burned off at the dump and power the entire City fleet. THAT’S something to shoot for because the technology is already in place. Thinking outside the box is always exciting, but sometimes you need to be in the box to actually accomplish things.
D Douglas Tooley August 14, 2008
I’m not an expert on Train Haz Mat Tunnel Security, but I’m sure there are people that are. It would be nice to get a definitive answer on that question – it does sound like it is solvable.
Remember also that as part of the Sound Transit Sounder expansion to Lakewood there will be an additional route to the South. I’d guess this article means someone is exploring the alternatives of using that route for haz mat as well as Sounder and Amtrak. (FWIW, getting Hazmat away from the Sound is probably a good thing.)
Remember also that air rights over Pacific are also an issue on that route.
That area should also be getting looked at as original Sound Transit were remiss in not addressing comp planned bike routes at that same location.
T TheGulag August 20, 2008
Building over the tracks would eliminate about 95 percent of the reason I go downtown.
D drizell August 22, 2008
I think this is a great idea. However, there is currently very little room to manuever between Dock St. and I-705. The railroad tracks come almost onto Dock St. There isn’t even enough room to put a sidewalk on the west side of the street and still achieve two lanes of traffic. This means that any covering of the existing tracks will mean a blank wall along Dock Street, which is definitely not exciting.
Another idea is to drop the level of the tracks down below street level, or at least a little lower than they are now. This is what was done in Detroit. Railroad tracks crisscross the city, yet they are not visible nor do the trains need to keep people awake all night with their whistles. The major issue I see with this is hitting the water table.