I'd think that TriMet would have done a better job with the Mall Plan in the first place.

I mean, its not the Cascade Policy Inst crazies that are against the current plan! it seems like the opposition is wholly from the LRT supporters! (Valid opposition, IMO). I think that says a lot.
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Good for the Trib!
While I don't agree with their general negativity and project bashing, its nice to see challenges to TriMets plan in the local media. Where's the O on this one? Regurgitating TriMet...

It just seems like tunnel vision from TriMet when they won't and haven't considered real alternatives...I'm really dissapointed with TriMets efforts and their attempt to "ram" this plan down Portlanders throats ASAP.

"The Weave"...just makes me laugh! lol. I'm praying the FTA moves in and they never build this disaster...

"I mean, its not the Cascade Policy Inst crazies that are against the current plan!"

Actually, a representative of Cascade Policy Institute has indeed spoken out against the plan, as recently as Wednesday's public hearing.

"It just seems like tunnel vision from TriMet when they won't and haven't considered real alternatives..."

This blog is a fantastic place to discuss alternatives. What's _your_ real alternative? Are you sure it wasn't considered? I've gone well over a dozen public meetings over the last 3 years and have seen a lot of alternatives bandied about.

"The Weave"...just makes me laugh! lol.

If you think the weave design is TriMet's fault, then you haven't been paying attention.

I've always been neutral about the through-lane in my commentary, but if you want to blame anybody for the "weave", don't blame TriMet. The downtown business community pushed hardest for the through-lane and won. Once the decision was made to have that lane, then the options for implementing light rail on the mall were greatly narrowed.

Incidentally, more than one weave design was evaluated. The plan being used now has several refinements over earlier ideas.

- Bob R.

Functionally it seems like it should work.

I've modelled out several simulations and it really isn't that big of a deal.

With the mall in place, the southern yellow line to Milwaukee and the southern bridge are just a year or two down the road from the current mall completion.

Then of course... pending all of this last minute hoo haa doesn't stop the plan.

The steel bridge is just fine as of this time. With a western point to break away trains they'll actually use the bridge more to it's full potential.

Once the southern bridge is built pending this project gets going then they could feaibly remove some of the traffic from the steel bridge if need be.