Editor: Consider the proposed cut and cover construction method for the Canada Line, the new transit line to Richmond and the Vancouver Airport.
It was seen as the cheapest option available, but was not chosen.
Why not use the cut and cover method to move 200 Street under the rail line in Langley City?
An underpass could be built under the rail line and Logan Avenue. It would only need a clearance of 14 feet. Rail overpasses require clearance of 24 feet. That 10-foot difference saves hundreds of feet of ramps.
I suggest building an underpass where the four centre lanes of 200 Street would go underneath the rail line. The outer two lanes could remain at grade to connect with Logan Avenue.
This would lead to alleviation of traffic jams when a train passes by, and considerable millions in savings.
The same could be done for the Fraser Highway rail crossing, but with a two centre lane version. This would be a possible alternative to a 196 Street overpass.
The blue clay soil may be a problem in construction, but that is why we have engineers, pile drivers, and storm drain pumps.
Dean Holcombe,
Langley
