Search results

From a structural standpoint, you really can’t build with stick framing taller than a 4 or 5 over 1. It may only make financial sense to go full steel/concrete framing at a minimum of 20 stories because of scale/usable floor space to make up for the cost. I’m not a developer so I’m not entirely...

Most modern skyscrapers have been simple rectangular boxes. Instead of that the architect has decided to put a signature feature on top of this building which distinguishes it from the run of the mill high rises that are popping up everywhere. I disagree that it makes it look top heavy. It just...

Concrete structures certainly have lifespans, especially since the codes have changed significantly since the tower was built c.1971. Retrofitting the structure to bring it to up-to-date codes can often be complex and cost intensive, especially for a cast-in-place concrete tower such as that...

What would the critics say if this old grain elevator was being proposed today? Does this fit the “working port” vibe that they so often say Portland was, is, and forever should be?

Yes, I do recall seeing your proposal for that. Definitely an alternative worth exploring!

I agree with you on the last part, but I wouldn’t downplay the cost of double tracking through Quincy, which will surely be in the billions. The Cape Main ROW appears to already be wide enough for 3 tracks so adding RL tracks likely won’t be as expensive. I’m bringing this up as a consideration...

You don’t have to eliminate any CR lines, the target goal is to increase frequency to Brockton specifically. Beyond that frequency for the CR can be hourly. Does anyone know what the capacity of the OC line is from Braintree-SS? Bi-directional All day hourly frequency for the other 2 lines may...

I was thinking the same thing actually but didn’t mention it. Red X may be a requirement for this but that would need to be analyzed. In any case, I figured that not all trains would continue past Braintree

I think if the red line’s going past Braintree it has to go to Brockton. That’s where the density is. Would a red line extension to Brockton plus cape main mostly single track through Brockton be a better value than an OC double track project? I’m not sure but it may be worth exploring. I assume...

The value only goes up if they’re not made anymore ;)

Those could be made RFID compatible. For any of this to work the state would have to hold some sort of fund that gets distributed among the T/RTA’s based on users/taps. If we were to go as far as making the Charlie card universal then you might as well make it compatible with a terminal that...

Who needs Charlie cards when tap to pay is an available technology? Seems to be the more logical investment for each RTA to make

This extension has been proposed as far back as 1945 and detailed in this 1947 report which included a description and cost estimate: https://archive.org/details/reportofmetropol00mass If you go to page 39-41 you’ll find the description. The intent was for it to remain as a freight route at...

Probably just political posturing but we will see. There wasn’t any follow up on that threat. The idea of dangling the carrot of a grand Trump Station in front of him may be too tempting… like a cat with a shiny object. But at the same time his attention span is limited

Could Trump be the one to get it done?

I’ve noticed that Union square trains have regularly (at least in off-peak times) been using the brattle loop, which is nice to see. There’s no way to know that this happening if you get on west of Gov Center though.

Exactly. To monitor if the buses are overheating during charging.

Completing the wye to the Mtn division line was at one point a possibility. There is a bridge carrying Fore River pkwy that at least somewhat keeps that alignment intact. Regardless, I don’t think the (somewhat remote) possibility of a daily or less scenic train should be a dealbreaker when it...

Agreed to both above. I’m not sure exactly how the situation will end up working, but I’m sure MaineDOT being the sole owner is the preferred option for NNEPRA (+the State). Of course that doesn’t mean I think the best way to go about building a new station is the half-baked plan that we’ve...

It seems like the larger goal for NNEPRA is to get out of a situation where they’re a tenant and also collect money from parking. There would probably have to be favorable terms with MaineHealth for such a situation to work that I’m not sure MH would be willing to bow to. I’m sure NNEPRA...