The 6 million dollar culvert
That long, low whistle is amazement at the big Lick Run price to pay to prepare for passenger rail.
Those who tend to forget that Roanoke once was called Big Lick were served up a $6.1 million reminder this week. That’s what engineers figure it will cost to construct a culvert strong enough to carry trains over Lick Run in downtown Roanoke.
February 7, 2013 - 8:16 AM
“Improved access to Washington, D.C., New York and Boston is cited often as a prime need by businesses, and it will better connect Roanoke with those wishing to explore Big Lick.”
Hmm, let me see…
DC? NY? BOSTON?
I-581 N –> I-81 N –> I-66 E BLAMMO! DC! Head N on I-95 for all other destinations.
I fail to see the disconnect, and there are several other interstate routes farther along N on I-81 if you are wishing to head for “New England.”
The “prime need” by business is being met. Passenger rail to Roanoke is a financially losing proposition, at best.
Two comments:
Semi-Urban America, and Roanoke in particular, is not going to become a booming metropolis because of the introduction of passenger rail. Which brings me to comment no. 2: Semi-Urban America, and Roanoke in particular, is not going to suddenly drop the “car culture” and seek rail transporation for a quick trip to DC or equivalent. Trains, no matter the nostalgia, “suck.” In addition, we have no commuter rail infrastructure for Roanoke such as subways, commuter trains, etc.
I think someone has some delusion of “if we build it, they will come…”
Life doesn’t work like that.
See Also:
Taubman Museum
Mill Mountain Zoo
Market Bldg. Renovation
The belief that starting your K-12 school year prior to Labor Day is somehow going to improve SOL scores and overall GPA.
Victory Stadium “replacement.”
Construction of buildings in the downtown flood plain.
But wait! There’s more…
1 – George, you make some good points.
Part of the justification for rail service is the success the shuttle bus has had. I would like to see what would happen if the subsidy were removed, and if they were able to limit it to just those folks catching the train. I would wager it would not be as successful.
That said, I would like to see passenger service.