One day after the election was over, Dyson's Propaganda Paper had already started the campaign to promote a second bridge at Solomons and commuter rail to So. Md. I don't commute, so I wanted to get opinions and feedback from those who do:
1) Do you think a second span is really warranted now or in the near future? Is a tunnel feasible or cost effective? Other options? How long until the current bridge falls down (Ever notice those big steel bands holding the concrete piers together at the top? They weren't there when they built the bridge.)?
2) I am a big fan of rail when and where it is practical and cost-effective. I would be happy to take the train from St. Mary's to Washington if I could get there in the same amount of time, or less, that it would take to drive for more-or-less the same cost. Also, I don't think any one who has seen the traffic on Rt 301 would disagree that the Metro needs to come down to at least Waldorf, if not La Plata.
But Does it make sense to have a commuter rail (Not the Metro-you would have to transfer) all the way down to, presumably, PAXRVR?
The proponents are always touting that we can use the existing rail right-of-way that parallels Rt 235 all the way to Waldorf. However, the last few times I have driven that, it is apparent that there has been alot of encroachment over the years. There are dozens of roads and driveways that cross-over the old rail bed and many houses are located very close by.
How can traffic possible be controlled where the roadways pass over the rails? Are they going to install automatic gates at every driveway? Are people going to tolerate the noise? How long until a tot on his trike gets nailed by a rail? If the trains have to move slow because of the above problems, how is that going to facilitate speedy transportation?
It would seem that paralleling the wide right-of-way for the high voltage power distribution lines would be a more prudent route for a train.
Most Importantly, if you currently drive or take a bus on the Waldorf to PAXRVR route, would you switch to the train? Why or Why Not?
This is going to cost us taxpayers big bucks. I say, if it is a good idea, let's get behind it and push to make it happen. If it's a poor idea, let's raise a stink and kill it.
Comments, thoughts, ideas, Christmas Cookie Recipes?
1) Do you think a second span is really warranted now or in the near future? Is a tunnel feasible or cost effective? Other options? How long until the current bridge falls down (Ever notice those big steel bands holding the concrete piers together at the top? They weren't there when they built the bridge.)?
2) I am a big fan of rail when and where it is practical and cost-effective. I would be happy to take the train from St. Mary's to Washington if I could get there in the same amount of time, or less, that it would take to drive for more-or-less the same cost. Also, I don't think any one who has seen the traffic on Rt 301 would disagree that the Metro needs to come down to at least Waldorf, if not La Plata.
But Does it make sense to have a commuter rail (Not the Metro-you would have to transfer) all the way down to, presumably, PAXRVR?
The proponents are always touting that we can use the existing rail right-of-way that parallels Rt 235 all the way to Waldorf. However, the last few times I have driven that, it is apparent that there has been alot of encroachment over the years. There are dozens of roads and driveways that cross-over the old rail bed and many houses are located very close by.
How can traffic possible be controlled where the roadways pass over the rails? Are they going to install automatic gates at every driveway? Are people going to tolerate the noise? How long until a tot on his trike gets nailed by a rail? If the trains have to move slow because of the above problems, how is that going to facilitate speedy transportation?
It would seem that paralleling the wide right-of-way for the high voltage power distribution lines would be a more prudent route for a train.
Most Importantly, if you currently drive or take a bus on the Waldorf to PAXRVR route, would you switch to the train? Why or Why Not?
This is going to cost us taxpayers big bucks. I say, if it is a good idea, let's get behind it and push to make it happen. If it's a poor idea, let's raise a stink and kill it.
Comments, thoughts, ideas, Christmas Cookie Recipes?
What he said.
when approaching the bridge.
once found out the lady on back seat of the bike was one of those when she tried to climb up my back when we got to the bridge 
