tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374385019220826761.post3996206010904357555..comments2023-11-02T07:04:27.085-04:00Comments on Russell Neighborhood: High Speed Rail and LouisvilleCARRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028316498613299044noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374385019220826761.post-36683211683316114932009-09-06T23:48:23.108-04:002009-09-06T23:48:23.108-04:00See Also: http://cartky.org/node/347 for more back...See Also: http://cartky.org/node/347 for more background on the speed debate. Myself, I would be dancing for joy at 90mph to Indy, which can be done for a fraction of the cost of 110mph, which is in turn about an eighth the cost of 200+mph! If gas is $8 a gallon, we won't care what speed the train is, we'll just be happy we have it.<br /><br />The problem with the 80/20 match idea is that the feds won't be able to supply their 80, at least not for the next 20 years at their current construction rate. Nashville-Loui-Indy-Chicago is a natural axis, true, but it's not going to get built before other higher-profile routes get built. Those corridors are denser and in some cases already have taken big steps forward on local funding. Realistically, Louisville will be in the second generation of HSR build-out, if we do really well.<br /><br />Louisville should also try like heck to get on the Cleveland-Columbus-Cinci corridor. Politically this may be easier because its (1) shorter and (2) the track can run through Kentucky.<br /><br />Union Station is a nice station, to be sure, but it was always a bit awkward to have the trains back out. I think we should shoot for a pull-through station in ... wait for the pandering ... wait for it ... the Russell Neighborhood. 14th and Main/Market would be my choice, but 8664 fans might pick another alignment :). <br /><br />Then we run a streetcar E-W on Main-Market from there to Baxter Avenue. Put frequent service on it - I mean FREQUENT - 7 minute headways and priority on the stop light syncronization. It would also help with the soon-to-be-cursed arena traffic. This would serve as a pedestrian accellerator, tying together, for example, all three big Humana buildings. Business Support: check.<br /><br />Eventually extend the Streetcar all the way to Shawnee Park and St Matthews. This would provide an incentive for Louisvillians to mingle across the boundaries they currently don't, and encourage massive investment along the corridor. And also it would obviously provide an ocean of parking for the High Speed Rail.D Morsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06986433973053352089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374385019220826761.post-88433458396128867112009-09-03T16:57:45.639-04:002009-09-03T16:57:45.639-04:00I love your enthusiasm, but i think a Steetcar or ...I love your enthusiasm, but i think a Steetcar or Light Rail system should be Louisville's priority, it would help alleviate road traffic, especially downtown and allow for a nice supplement to the 8664 project.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03705643511256394897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5374385019220826761.post-38566868052533353522009-09-03T16:45:29.310-04:002009-09-03T16:45:29.310-04:00Great post. I have often used the words 'Louis...Great post. I have often used the words 'Louisville' and 'progressive' in the same sentence. Only problem is the word 'not' sits in between them just about every time. My first thought is how this effects UPS and what sway they may have in this issue. I love the idea of high speed rail, primarily, because I have a fear of flying! LOL! I could easily see hopping on the rail and heading up to Chi-town for a day or two or heading south around New Orleans on the spur of the moment...oh well, a guy can dream.DHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15502791822698228782noreply@blogger.com