2 ms·
I really like your point #2. A little bit of me dies every time I see a rail-to-trail project. Granted, many (most? all?) of those lines have approximately a 0%
by nocoiner 1y ago
I really like your point #2. A little bit of me dies every time I see a rail-to-trail project. Granted, many (most? all?) of those lines have approximately a 0% chance of ever being economic again, but there’s also rail-centered redevelopment that’s being permanently foreclosed.
- bell-cot 1y agoOver the longer haul, 99% of the potential infrastructure value of the "destroyed" rail line is in the unified right of way ownership. Rails rust (or are sold for scrap, legally or not), ties rot, ballast (gravel) becomes choked with dirt, brush, and trees, and bridges and viaducts crumble. So long as the rail-to-trail project doesn't erect a too-high legal barrier to eventual higher-value uses, it's actually a best case scenario.
- nocoiner 1y agoExcellent point and well stated.