Texas Department of Transportation’s new plan for 635 involves underground toll road

Pavel Lishin, says:

Whoa, underground tollways. I like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caves_of_Steel">where this is going</a>.

Scott Doyle, says:

ITT Pavel displays, yet again, his extensive library of useless sci-fi novels. =p

Btw, the underground tollway/managed lanes is <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2008/jan/25/dart-open-new-hov-lanes-635/#c20416">old news</a>. And let us pray we don't botch it <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Dig_ceiling_collapse">like Boston did</a>.

Jason Rice, says:

::Asimov is NOT useless!

Absolutely! His books come in all sizes, from short stories suitable to shim a coffee table leg to full door stops and makeshift high chairs.

Just kidding Ch0. If you want USELESS sci-fi, I have a box in the garage from three moves that can't seem to find the garbage can and I won't waste the energy to cart over to Half Price for $0.25 trade

Jason Rice, says:

Pragmatism : 10 points out of 10
Ecology : 9 points out of 10
Economy : 10 points out of 10

Bonus score for sheer glee of solution : 5

Rick Yost, says:

Wow! I didn't expect such an off-topic-topic on Pegasus. Isaac yes! And Bradbury, Clarke, Heinlein, Verne, Simak, Ellison, Wells! Damn! We need another thread.

Pavel Lishin, says:

More science fiction authors should <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2008/sep/19/denton-reads-host-orson-scott-card-put-film-festiv/">come to town</a>.

Jason Rice, says:

I think the unintentional apex of the thread is the coining of "Up-cycled." I'm stealing that one.

John McClelland, says:

I heard about this underground toll road last year when Sandy Greyson mentioned it during a TTC debate. I was under the impression from her that the 635 tunnel option was not cost effective.

These schemes TxDOT comes up with makes me wonder. Do they even consider double stacking roads anymore? Would it not be cheaper to build another roadway above the original? I kind of doubt we are in danger of it falling from an earthquake like it did in California.

Scott Doyle, says:

John, per <a href="http://www.635project.com/default.asp?p=2&amp;s=1">the website for this ordeal</a>, elevation was being considered as well. Unfortunately, it looks like they're gonna go about it the hard way.

I wonder how hot it will get down there in the Texas summer. Also, I wonder if they're smart enough to use an epoxy that won't creep as a result of the heat (again, learn from Boston's mistakes at the Big Dig). Or, ya know, actually anchor in all the panels rather than using glorified glue.

Pavel Lishin, says:

I dunno, you'd think it would actually stay cooler in an underground tunnel than it would up above where the sun is shining.

Then again, cars would constantly be dragging in hot air from the outside, belching exhaust, and (probably) idling. I'd bring an oxygen mask, just in case.

Scott Doyle, says:

Depends on how well ventilated it is, I guess. Methinks humidity would be a pretty large concern for epoxy, too.

John McClelland, says:

With tunnels, they have to have ventilation systems so it pulls out exhaust, brings in fresh air, etc. Otherwise you'd just have a drippy smelly hole in the ground.

I find it funny the DOT doesn't have the money to expand I-35, but has plenty of time to talk about digging holes under LBJ.

Dallas Spohn, says:

I can't listen to my AM stations underground :(

Pavel Lishin, says:

"Continuing our 'Sign of Evil' countdown, here's Vanessa Williams..."