Quote:
Originally Posted by IrishIllini
I cannot imagine a world where the CTA is interested or has the support for a new elevated rail line. Especially along Armitage. Any new lines will get buried unless they're running on tracks that are already existing.
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The Belmont Flyover is getting built despite the objections of neighbors, and requiring significant demolitions in one of Chicago's wealthier neighborhoods. I don't think NIMBYism would necessarily sink other proposals for elevated rail.
From an engineering standpoint, many of the issues have been solved. Elevated isn't the clattering rumbling beast it used to be. Orange Line included pretty big chunks of new elevated viaduct. Stand under the tracks at 18th/Wentworth, the train pretty much glides by with a whoosh. The tracks are laid on top of gravel ballast over a concrete deck, which addresses the rumbling, and the viaduct has concrete parapet walls to block any screeching sound coming off the wheels.
The new structure on the Pink Line is admittedly loud, but only because CTA was replacing an existing century-old structure and they didn't have to make it any quieter than it was before, so they took the cheap route and just built an open steel structure without a ballasted concrete deck or parapets.
From an urban planning standpoint, I think CTA would need to be careful with new elevated structures to make sure they don't create a blight. They should only be used on very wide streets, existing rail corridors, or (in some cases) through greenfield areas like Lincoln Yards where the entire neighborhood can be designed to provide light, air, and separation around the tracks.