[Metro-One]

I have my doubts, as you know, but Metro-One's examples from the Japanese context suggest that it is at least possible to do something unique. Once built, the NEFC area would benefit greatly from a retail corridor spanning the area between the NEFC waterfront and Abbott/International Village.

Perhaps a quasi-industrial feel a la Yaletown (sorry Metro-One) or Gastown could be cultivated - and safely, provided there was a concentrated law enforcement presence, and provided that businesses in the area were encouraged to be open late (for eyes on the street), that lighting was adequate, that traffic calming measures be used to compensate for the fact that people will be walking and crossing streets in less-than-ideal lighting. The key to neighborhood success here will be, more than anything else, mixed use, and keeping the neighborhood buzzing with activity at all hours.

Biketrouble's comments are certainly relevant here, as the viaducts present a challenge to livability not really faced in any other part of the city. Granville Island would be the closest analog, but the bridge deck there is high enough above ground level to allow plenty of light underneath - and high enough to shield people below from most of the traffic noise. Nor is Granville Island directly adjacent to the DTES. . .

Again, the Gardiner expressway in Toronto is an example of the challenges to livability posed by urban viaducts (walking those tunnels at night is not fun), and that city's lackluster waterfront atmosphere is one casualty of the city's failure to successfully incorporate them. That's not to say, of course, that those challenges are insurmountable. . .

Hehe, don't worry, I love Gastown! Also I like the more dense commercial parts of Yaletown (such as Hamilton Street). In fact making a low-rise commercial district with a industrial theme to it would be perfect for under the ducts! (Also adding lots of lighting as the pics I showed in Japan would be a great asset as well). Also the ducts actually have a pleasing design compared to most and the pillars are far and few between (compared to overpasses and other viaducts where they use several pillars at each joint and the pillars are much closer together). Also, with the ducts still in place, I would be 100% supportive for all types of traffic calming measure along the local streets below the ducts, simply because the ducts will give motorists an alternative from the local streets.