Constructing Freeway Tunnels

[PHLBOS]

Massachusetts just rejected the Olympics in part because we have a culture that doesn't seem to be able to control the number of hands dipping into the big pots of money in large projects.  Ours might not be the best example to base future decisions upon solely.

Not to hijack the thread here but one main reason why many in the Bay State strongly opposed the Olympics bid was because it was discovered early on that taxpayers were going to be footing much of the bill in terms of facility and related infrastructure improvements despite promises of the contrary.

[NE2]

The opening of the Big Dig tunnels in Boston was over a decade ago (hard to believe); could you cite me one example of a tunnel-like freeway opening in the U.S. since then?

If covering an existing trench counts, the Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas was covered in 2012.

[jeffandnicole]

In hindsight, I should've quantified my earlier question regarding tunnels that have opened (or being constructed) since Boston's Big Dig and specified tunneled freeways/expressways/networks as opposed to just tunnels (simple mountain/plaza/water crossings) in general.

If we're talking about tunnels about 1/2 mile in length:

In NJ, Rt. 29 into Trenton received a cut-and-cover tunnel.  In Atlantic City, the Marina extension of the AC Expressway received a cut-and-cover tunnel as well.

For the 295/76/42 project, NJDOT is treating the new ramp from 295 South to 42 South as a tunnel, due to it's length and the manner as to how it's going to be built under the roadway.  It will have provisions for ventilation and lane/road closure traffic lights similar to the Trenton Tunnel, even though it's only going to be approximately 600 feet long.

[PHLBOS]

In NJ, Rt. 29 into Trenton received a cut-and-cover tunnel.

That tunnel opened in 2002.  According to Wiki, it was supposed to open a year earlier but was delayed due to the Army Corps of Engineers discovering several environmental violations with its construction.

In Atlantic City, the Marina extension of the AC Expressway received a cut-and-cover tunnel as well.

If you're referring to the Atlantic City-Brigantine Connector Tunnel; that opened in 2001.  If one reads the history behind this connector & tunnel; there was definitely some controversey involved.

For the 295/76/42 project, NJDOT is treating the new ramp from 295 South to 42 South as a tunnel, due to it's length and the manner as to how it's going to be built under the roadway.  It will have provisions for ventilation and lane/road closure traffic lights similar to the Trenton Tunnel, even though it's only going to be approximately 600 feet long.

Wow, I did not know that a short tunnel was being proposed for such.  Based on your description, it sounds like an overglorified underpass.

If covering an existing trench counts, the Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas was covered in 2012.

Such reminds me a little bit like I-84 through the Harford Civic Center and/or I-95 through the Penns Landing part of Philadelphia, should the final cap is ever placed on top of the bathtub corridor.

[TheStranger]

Isn't I-5 through downtown Sacramento (the "boat" section which goes below sea level) slated to have a cap over it at some point?

[triplemultiplex]

I live in the Green Bay area and there is no freeway access to Downtown Green Bay.  It should be set up perfectly like some urban planners want.  Surface streets with pedestrian access.  If it's so great, why is Downtown Green Bay struggling while the areas along the freeways are thriving and attracting development? 

Counterpoint:
Madison, WI.

Vibrant downtown and adjacent neighborhoods with no freeway access.


On topic; I think there will be a number of cities around the nation that will put lids on existing trenched freeways in the next 20 years.  It's worth considering any place where a freeway trench separates a downtown from and up-and-coming neighborhood or a water body.
Isn't St. Louis trying to cap I-70I-44 in front of the Arch?
I thought I remember reading a thread about covering I-70 for a few blocks in Denver.
I-71 in Cincy is a good one.
I wouldn't mind seeing the St. Paul commons of 35E/94 buried.  At least for a couple blocks.
Portland could probably do something with part of I-405.

BBCode fix --sso

[mgk920]

I live in the Green Bay area and there is no freeway access to Downtown Green Bay.  It should be set up perfectly like some urban planners want.  Surface streets with pedestrian access.  If it's so great, why is Downtown Green Bay struggling while the areas along the freeways are thriving and attracting development? 

Counterpoint:
Madison, WI.

Vibrant downtown and adjacent neighborhoods with no freeway access.


On topic; I think there will be a number of cities around the nation that will put lids on existing trenched freeways in the next 20 years.  It's worth considering any place where a freeway trench separates a downtown from and up-and-coming neighborhood or a water body.
Isn't St. Louis trying to cap I-70/s]I-44 in front of the Arch?
I thought I remember reading a thread about covering I-70 for a few blocks in Denver.
I-71 in Cincy is a good one.
I wouldn't mind seeing the St. Paul commons of 35E/94 buried.  At least for a couple blocks.
Portland could probably do something with part of I-405.

Madison - large 'captive' audience of 40K or so students at the University of Wisconsin (as in 'Badgers') campus, plus however many more in other aspects of the basic governance of the State of Wisconsin.

And yes, there are major street spurs going into the Isthmus area that could have been built as freeways in other circumstances.

Don't forget, too, how John Nolen Dr (US 151) passes under Monona Terrace.



Mike

[Pete from Boston]

Massachusetts just rejected the Olympics in part because we have a culture that doesn't seem to be able to control the number of hands dipping into the big pots of money in large projects.  Ours might not be the best example to base future decisions upon solely.

Not to hijack the thread here but one main reason why many in the Bay State strongly opposed the Olympics bid was because it was discovered early on that taxpayers were going to be footing much of the bill in terms of facility and related infrastructure improvements despite promises of the contrary.

Most of what you really need to know about local opposition to the Olympics is that this region has the Big Dig in recent memory and a massive critical failure of local infrastructure operation in immediate memory.  This colored every part of the debate.  The former is a big part of why the irresponsibly unbuilt North-South Rail Link tunnel will likely not happen soon if ever.

A "can-do" campaign goes over poorly in a region heavy with "tried to do, and it went badly" regret.

[triplemultiplex]

Madison - large 'captive' audience of 40K or so students at the University of Wisconsin (as in 'Badgers') campus, plus however many more in other aspects of the basic governance of the State of Wisconsin.

Sounds like a good argument for having built UWGB in town rather than out in the sticks.