Renderings of the Sound Transit Crossing
Sound Transit has provided a couple artist renderings of the rail crossing on Pacific Ave. The crossing as it is shown here, could accommodate two sets of tracks across Pacific, though the current plan only calls for one set. The additional line would be built depending on the needs of Burlington Northern.
Here’s a couple more pictures:
From what we hear, this is a pretty good look at what will be voted on at a later meeting … What do you think?
11 comments
J Jake November 21, 2007
So what happens to all that spare land left over once they tear down the buildings and build the tracks? Parks?
M mardod November 22, 2007
Why even have a planning commission and other independent experts if we are going to ignore them when they tell us the bad consequence such a route would have on Tacoma?
Is this a common occurrence for the planners to ignore the advice of the commission? Did ST give a reason for doing so?
C Crenshaw Sepulveda November 22, 2007
I get this feeling that this is more about BNSF then it is about any form of public transportation. BNSF may be playing coy but I get this feeling that they are the driving force for the Pacific crossing. Sadly, if we want commuter rail we have to play ball with BNSF.
S Steve November 22, 2007
I think, that rail as a mode of public transport in the puget sound region, is forever doomed as a financially viable and sensible alternative.
You would rather rub salt in your eyes rather than give up your car, even IF public transit could get you where you need to be, on time and in a reasonable amount of time.
Most people in favor of rail want YOU to ride it. But for them, it’s just not convienient.
T Tressie November 22, 2007
It looks like a nuclear bomb went off—the drawing is deceptive—and it looks like a lot of bldgs will be disappeared—I do agree with Crenshaw—-there’s more going on here — there always is—-and so maybe there is 500 riders from Lakewood —- there will be more because public transit is coming to a future near you. As I blogged the other day, I don’t trust them, and the real artists should be in charge here —
T The Gulag November 22, 2007
What’s the major BNSF factor? The only major factor I can figure is the rerouting of Amtrak traffic on this line, which is a 50/50 benefit to both Amtrak and BNSF, when you consider some of the major upgrades that have occurred on the Seattle-Portland corridor recently. Also consider that BNSF sold this line to Tacoma Rail in 2004 due to minimal traffic vs. property taxes and maintenance costs, and the willingness by Tacoma Rail to take over operations.
D DavidS November 23, 2007
As has been pointed out by David B. & Erik B., the artist renderings don’t exactly show us how it would look – unless they’re handing out jetpacks and flying cars to all the residents.
If we can get some drawings from street level, things may begin to be a little clearer. (Why not use their snazzy sketch-up skills to put together a drive/walk-through of the thing?)
D David Boe November 24, 2007
What is misleading about these drawings is the inability to understand the scale of the proposed design. The scale proposed is similar to a freeway interchange (more like 56th and I-5 and how pedestrian frendly is that?) than actually being within a part of a city that is made up of smaller scale elements (this is the antithesis to what UWT is all about). Also, the dark grey roads are roads that have to be rebuilt significantly lower than they are now – look close at the bottom corner of the first photo – the Elephant Car Wash is like 8 feet+ in the air. And how will any of these adjoining sites be condusive for economic development with diesel trains chugging by 4 – 16 feet in the air? Oh and I sure hope they lose those offensive McDonald’s Arches – no wait, maybe those arches sums up this design proposal best of all. And remember – this is the only NEW rail portion in the whole entire Sounder system – Phase I or II (perhaps maybe they don’t know they don’t know what they are doing? – it would explain alot) as ST’s mandate was to use existing rail lines.
J johnschoppert November 25, 2007
Voelpel hit the nail on the head today, I saw the difference in Portland and lived through the rancor of the fight against light rail. Now look at it. Tacoma, elected officials, its your turn.
R rich November 26, 2007
Hmmm, it seems more people are finally seeing my views of our council and mayor……completely useless and without vision or guts…..must I remind you that if I’m not mistaken Anderson is on the board of sound transit….hmmmm……..makes you wonder………
R rich November 27, 2007
hmmm……….what a great council being pushed around by Sound Transit….once again..hello anderson is on the board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!