As the debate over the Metrorail tunnel vs. elevated rail through Tysons Corner continues, it may be instructive to remember the history of elevated trains in New York City.
In the latter part of the 19th century, elevated train lines were constructed in New York. Within decades they were demolished and rail travel put underground. The advantages were so obvious and profound that New York found it cost-effective to replace elevated service with subways.
If New York considered it cost-effective to bury what had been elevated lines, it’s a no-brainer that we should build our new lines underground.
STEVE OFFUTT
Arlington
An added factor is that wide-tunnel boring technology didn’t exist at the time, so NYC’s tunnels were even more expensive!
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
-George Santayana
That means you, Governor Kaine. It’s up to you.
One Response
May 16th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Elevated rail has been all the rage in Chicago since the inception of the appropriately named “El” in 1892
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