Many cities have depth limits on property rights by statute. Others can and do use eminent domain to acquire a subsurface easement, and unless the property owne

Many cities have depth limits on property rights by statute. Others can and do use eminent domain to acquire a subsurface easement, and unless the property owner can prove some sort of marketable value to the undeveloped land at subway depth, eminent domain is extremely cheap. Yes, even in dense cities. Surface light rail rights of way don't need railroads or even former rail lines in order to avoid land aqcuisition. They can use streets. This is just as valid along SLC's 200 West in downtown as it could be for Seattle's 15th Ave W, Leary Ave, Eastlake Ave, or 45th Ave N. It is completely common for new light rail systems to use a mix of both former railroad rights of way as well as surface roads.