I read a lot of blogs. One that I read regularly is Slog, The Stranger’s blog, based in Seattle. I usually skip over their local politics, but every now and then something just keeps coming up. And in this case, it reminds me of Pittsburgh (I may get some facts wrong here, even though I do follow this story more than their other local news, it’s still a bit foreign for me).
Bear with me, a bit of background, then the Pittsburgh connection. There is a political debate going on (mostly about usefulness and cost, so a typical one I suppose), about the “Deep Bore Tunnel,” a proposed tunnel that would be an underpass for the entire downtown area. It’s projected to run over budget (wouldn’t that mean they should change the budget?), and some people think it’s not necessary. See where I’m going with this yet?
It’s like their very own Northshore Connector! Over budget. Not necessary: we’re really, really good at bridges. Tunnels, not so much (see: any tunnel at rush hour).
The entrance and exit, to an outside observer are oddly placed. I don’t think they’re really in the best places, they seem kind of cramped, thrown in. Here’s one of the latest Slog posts about it. And here’s the video (which is so strange without any sound) they included. I’d like to draw your attention to the 2:00 mark. The animation is pretty cool, you’re driving, you’re driving into the tunnel, you’re driving, OH MY GOD A MERGE INSIDE THE TUNNEL:
If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it’s missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe.
I like to imagine the explosions we would have on a daily basis if we tried to merge inside the Squirrel Hill Tunnel.
