Quote:
Originally Posted by accord1999
The initial recommended option in 2016 for the belt line was 12th Avenue surface. Its score was slightly lower but a lot cheaper. But public engagement at that time caused it switch to the tunnel, and a lot of concern already about costs.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...tion-1.3540932
https://lrtonthegreen.ca/wp-content/...ion-Part-2.pdf
The study for the northern portion (from Eau Claire to 10th Ave S) showed that it could work. The tunnel was better, but also far more expensive, scoring 1/5 for capital costs, operational costs, land impact and construct-ability.
https://pub-calgary.escribemeetings....ocumentId=8291
The issue with these old studies is how they weighed cost, the scoring was out of 135 points and costs only counted for about 20 points. When the full tunnel (4 km from 20th Av N to 4 St SE) was around $2B, the cost benefit made it worth it. But the tunnel is much more expensive now (and already cut by 1.7 km) so those studies' conclusions aren't as relevant anymore. |
The question still remains - what is the best solution for long term needs? Long term, the option they were going with was needed.
Sure some surface system on 12th before it goes underground to get under CPKC could work. It would save some money, with some downsides. (level crossing on McLeod, reduced traffic capacity on main roads in the beltline). The city studied all of these options, and made the best decision.
However, the UCP never had any intention of going ahead with this project in any form.