Bridges across the sound?! (Seattle, Tacoma: neighborhood, codes, light rail)

[cjg5]

No. That would ruin Vashon/Maury Island. The ferry is fine and if you really want to drive there is always Tacoma Narrows or driving around the bottom of the Sound.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

They would have to built bridges high enough so it wouldn't interfere with freight transport to Port of Tacoma. They could do what Virginia Beach did and put tunnels instead. Though I'm not sure how it would fare, given the Earthquake zone issue. I probably won't use the tunnels because it'd freak me out. They'd most likely be tolled given that people just don't want to increase their taxes.

I honestly don't see any positives because it just means sprawl would be spreading on that side exponentially.

Underwater tunnels won't work either, container ships need 50' depth and they need to do dredging to keep it that deep with the flow from the rivers bringing in silt.

[ctr88]

They built the BART train that goes under the San Francisco Bay 40 years ago and that is a earthquake zone.

[DevanXL]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

Underwater tunnels won't work either, container ships need 50' depth and they need to do dredging to keep it that deep with the flow from the rivers bringing in silt.

He meant under the sound not in the water.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

Underwater tunnels won't work either, container ships need 50' depth and they need to do dredging to keep it that deep with the flow from the rivers bringing in silt.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel -- HISTORY

They've created artificial islands (which now also serves as a stop to fish, sight-see, eat, hangout). Water depth ranges from 25 ft to 100 ft. The Virginia Beach area actually used to use ferries, but with this bridge-tunnel were able to eliminate that. You should check pictures out, it's interesting to look at. Oftentimes, you'll come across a picture of a Naval ship crossing it, practicing their runs, et. c. Its regarded as an engineering marvel.

[DevanXL]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel -- HISTORY

They've created artificial islands (which now also serves as a stop to fish, sight-see, eat, hangout). Water depth ranges from 25 ft to 100 ft. The Virginia Beach area actually used to use ferries, but with this bridge-tunnel were able to eliminate that. You should check pictures out, it's interesting to look at. Oftentimes, you'll come across a picture of a Naval ship crossing it, practicing their runs, et. c. Its regarded as an engineering marvel.

Thats cool, Doubt they what need anything like that here but sure was an innovative idea!

[cjg5]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel -- HISTORY

They've created artificial islands (which now also serves as a stop to fish, sight-see, eat, hangout). Water depth ranges from 25 ft to 100 ft. The Virginia Beach area actually used to use ferries, but with this bridge-tunnel were able to eliminate that. You should check pictures out, it's interesting to look at. Oftentimes, you'll come across a picture of a Naval ship crossing it, practicing their runs, et. c. Its regarded as an engineering marvel.

Very cool!

[GatsbyGatz]

Just build a huge bridge or tunnel, enforce "high density only" zoning codes in Vashon, and proceed to Manhattanize the island. It's the only way to please the urban enthusiasts.

[Andy]

Puget Sound is too deep to tunnel under.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

They would have to built bridges high enough so it wouldn't interfere with freight transport to Port of Tacoma. They could do what Virginia Beach did and put tunnels instead. Though I'm not sure how it would fare, given the Earthquake zone issue. I probably won't use the tunnels because it'd freak me out. They'd most likely be tolled given that people just don't want to increase their taxes.

I honestly don't see any positives because it just means sprawl would be spreading on that side exponentially.

These would not be problems with building a bridge on the sound. the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridges have plenty of freight traffic under them from two huge ports. I think the problem with Puget Sound is it's depth. I think I heard that it averages like 500 feet or so? trying to put support columns would be a monumental nightmare.