Tory notes the same Urban Land Institute event that I blogged about and comes out against their proposal, though for a different reason: He thinks keeping I-45 elevated over downtown Houston has value after all this time. I don’t necessarily disagree with anything Tory writes in that post, but I’m less interested in that than I am in the shift-I-45-westward-to-Houston-Avenue part. Whether as a tunnel, an elevated, at-grade, or a wormhole through hyperspace, I oppose relocating that stretch of I-45. No way, no how.
Since the subject came up in Tory’s comments, I should note that the I-45 Parkway proposal is about making a tunnel north of downtown. It would not affect the Pierce Elevated, as the scope of the TxDOT I-45 widening is strictly north of I-10.
I’m kind of partial to the wormhole through hyperspace idea myself – at least for the HOV lanes! Just imagine – going all the way downtown from the suburbs in mere microseconds!!
Whether as a tunnel, an elevated, at-grade, or a wormhole through hyperspace, I oppose relocating that stretch of I-45. No way, no how.
But what if lots of studies are done and really smart architects and urban planners and Greater Houston Partnership folks think it’s a good idea? What if it would make Houston world class even?!
I mean, haven’t you previously told the anti-Richmond rail people who live and own businesses on that street that such things are sometimes the price of progress?
My archives are right there on the sidebar, Kevin, along with a handy search utility. Feel free to find whatever quote you think makes your point, rather than make something up. It’s more persuasive that way.
And if you try real hard, you just might be able to think of a critical difference or two between building a light rail line on Richmond, and relocating an existing interstate highway to Houston Avenue. If you need a hint, let me know.