Build up, not eliminate

[roadman65]

I have seen.the impact the Selmon Expressway Extension has had in South Tampa. It was built in the Median of US 92 at a height of 30 feet above grade, took no businesses or residences away, and most of didn't sever or create a barrier between the neighboring communities on both sides of US 92 at all.


Yes some will say that it got compromised and the freeway is only two lanes as supposed to four, but look at the SH 146 project in Seabrook, TX.  It too is being built up high above the existing SH 146 arterial yet nor obstructing one's perspective looking across the highway to the other side. So once completed both sides of TX 146 won't create a barrier and still keep both sides of Highway 146 united.

I figure that perhaps raising the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn, NY where it currently severs the neighborhood it transits might benefit from building the freeway another 20 feet higher allowing one at street level to see more light and open space underneath while looking across 4th Avenue to create a visible barrier as currently is.  Plus normal signal installations can be for the signals on 4th Avenue as no more mounting heads to the freeway viaduct and the return of the infamous NYC mast arms to it.

What do you all think? I'm sure it's more effective than building a tunnel below.

[Max Rockatansky]

People who loathed the Embarcadero Freeway and Alaskan Way Viaduct on aesthetic would probably say no.  Out west at least there is certainly some seismology considerations that haven't been so favorable to the continued application of elevated freeways over existing corridors.

[triplemultiplex]

Elevating the highway elevates the source of noise and increases the size of the nuisance for the area.  We've got loads of studies that show how constant exposure to noise leads to increased stress and its related health implications.

So whatever cost one thinks they are saving by going up rather than down with an urban freeway is going to be externalized on the population many times over.

Plus, you know, elevated highways are ugly as sin.  Doesn't matter how much clearance there is underneath.  You can't smear enough lipstick on that pig to make it kissable.