BIKE: Crossing I-35 at +/-42nd St (Hancock Center)

[Dave W]

Eric wrote:
>> I would suggest that we will first see a barrier
>> crossing of IH35 at +/-42nd St

Mike responded:
> I would suggest that this is wishful thinking.
> 
> Likewise with 42nd St. The rail line is going to
> cross the I-35 frontage roads AT-GRADE, meaning no
> separation for the bike trail either; and I doubt
> we'll see traffic lights put in for the benefit of
> bikes here given problems with warrants. 

I took some liberties pasting the above quotes, so I
hope I haven't misconstrued anyone's words.

Regarding crossing I-35 near Hancock Center, what
would be about 42nd or 43rd St, there are already two
signals (one for each frontage road) and crossing the
frontage roads there is relatively safe and easy.  

As you might be able to see in this map:

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=muGxF.p_0ToEMafmZBo0Bc0J_Jvo3jBrZg--&csz=78722&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=

heading north, the bike trail could parallel the
tracks until Wilshire Blvd, turn west on Wilshire
(betw U-Haul & what used to be Academy), then north
along the frontage road (there's even a sidewalk
here).  The traffic light currently enables bikes and
peds to cross, though I usually see jaywalkers
crossing anywhere from Fiesta/Short Stop, up to near
Airport Blvd.  Peds are fiendishly clever that way.

The underpass leads directly into Hancock Center
(Wendy's/Sears), and the bike trail could then turn
north again, to meet up with the ROW.  I'm sure there
are other nasty barriers to concern us, but this is an
easy one, IMHO.

Now, if we could just get TxDOT or somebody to use all
that empty space under the fly-overs--plenty of space
for a bike trail, but also good for parking TxDOT
vehicles, extra parking for Hancock Center, or even a
homeless shelter (no neighbors to complain).

Dave Westenbarger


		
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