New Underpass open at 4th St SE

[Madman]

The long awaited underpass under the CP tracks finally opened - we'll see what it does for game day traffic.

Just in time for the vehicle gridlock exiting a Flames game, the new Fourth Street S.E. underpass was opened today. The $70 million, four-lane underpass, connects the Stampede grounds to the new East Village development via Olympic Way. The crossing also gives drivers another option to crossing the CPR rail tracks downtown.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Street+...#ixzz1cYb4koEV

[Ozy_Flame]

Thank goodness this is done. It's openings like this that will increase traffic into/from the East Village that I think will make it the vibrant community we all want it to be.

[Barnes]

I prefer the older urine soaked, dark, narrow sidewalks of 8th an 5th streets.

[Bigtime]

This is an excellent step forward for the East Village and East Beltline. Now if only we could retrofit all the other underpasses to this level of design and quality.

[Madman]

Originally Posted by Barnes

I prefer the older urine soaked, dark, narrow sidewalks of 8th an 5th streets.

You can't beat the stunning artwork in them, that's for sure.


underpass by nosalitar, on Flickr

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Barnes

I prefer the older urine soaked, dark, narrow sidewalks of 8th an 5th streets.

Saw a used tampoon on the sidewalk just after the 5th St underpass today. Was almost as interesting as the red vomit that sat unmolested for a couple months on the southern edge of the bridge last year. You can still see the stain where it ate into the pavers.

[ken0042]

This should be good for taking the BRT to Flames games as well.

[goodyear]

Does anyone know if there are plans to fix/upgrade the existing downtown underpasses?

[Bigtime]

There is a plan for the 8th street underpass to be renovated, but it is an un-funded project right now (~3 million).

[getbak]

The Macleod Trail underpasses need it the most. The 8th Street underpass is gorgeous urban design compared to the Maclead Trail ones.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by getbak

The Macleod Trail underpasses need it the most. The 8th Street underpass is gorgeous urban design compared to the Maclead Trail ones.

I agree, as I used those two all the time when living in arriVa. However I think 8th street gets priority simply due to the number of pedestrians that use it. I can't remember the number, but the daily total is pretty impressive.

[Stay Golden]

Looks good, modern. Whats the over under on the first street person or general bar drunk to urinate in it... 1 hour.

Huge visual Improvement. Glad the project is finally finished.

[Bill Bumface]

Taking this last night they could do with a double turn or two from 4st E onto 9th or 6th ave to move more cars North after the game. Taking this to the game cut my trip almost in half. It was glorious and futuristic.

[Ozy_Flame]

Is it normal to cost $70 million to make an underpass?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

I agree, as I used those two all the time when living in arriVa. However I think 8th street gets priority simply due to the number of pedestrians that use it. I can't remember the number, but the daily total is pretty impressive.

8th Street is probably a lot easier to improve too. All it really needs is some better lighting and some art work to brighten it up. The road is in good condition and the sidewalks are relatively wide.

The Macleod Trail ones are a total disaster that need to be reworked from the ground up, which won't be easy or cheap.

[Barnes]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Is it normal to cost $70 million to make an underpass?

Under the CP mainline...

Probably.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Is it normal to cost $70 million to make an underpass?

Dig a hole, do a bunch of shoring, build temporary support for freight train tracks, relocate freight train tracks, dig whole on other side, do a bunch of shoring, build deck for freight train tracks, move tracks back to permanent position, install permanent concrete shoring, prepare road bed, install and wire traffic signals, terminate 10th ave and create cul-de-sac, crib sidewalks/curbs, pour walks/curbs, finishing concrete, pave road, install hand rails, lighting, ornamental tunnel heads, paint road lines, re-time surrounding traffic signals, have $69 million dollar underpass opening ceremony.

Yup, seems normal

[getbak]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

have $69 million dollar underpass opening ceremony

Harvey doesn't come cheap.

You'd think they could have purchased a pair of giant ribbon-cutting scissors for Nenshi, but that probably would have put them over budget.

[Knut]

It was much quicker down 12th avenue to get to the game as well.

[flamesrule_kipper34]

Nvm.