Bridge/Tunnel to CT (Boston, Hudson: credit card, to relocate, cities)

[Quick Commenter]

Originally Posted by AKA Bubbleup

Agreed, just saying that if it were to go ahead, there's been too much development on the land that was originally projected for a 135 extension to the water. 100's of homes in the 750K-3 million range, even half a private school to claim via eminent domain. Sagtikos is state owned land from the LIE to the water.

That said, if Cuomo ever managed to push this through there's no doubt he'll select the most expensive way imaginable (so 135 it is).

One idea (given newer tunneling technology) is to start the tunnel at 135 and dip under (well under) all the property you note and emerge in Connecticut. Instead of NIMBYS they’ll be NUMBY’s.

[P Larsen]

Sagtikos won't work because the bridge has to go to Westchester County NY for two reasons: (1) the bridge is far too long between CT and LI, and (2) CT won't give consent, and its cooperation would be necessary for any bridge to CT.

[BBMW]

Connecticut might want in on the project. But generally I agree. It needs to extend the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway to the bottom end of 287, where it meets 95. I'd try to get the SOB redesigned as part of 287.

Originally Posted by P Larsen

Sagtikos won't work because the bridge has to go to Westchester County NY for two reasons: (1) the bridge is far too long between CT and LI, and (2) CT won't give consent, and its cooperation would be necessary for any bridge to CT.

[VA Yankee]

I think too many people have played Sim City and think random bridges all over for convenience are normal. 30+ pages and I have to read 1 legitimate industry that needs this road. There's plenty of speculation of how it could lead to... but do you really think an industry is going to move in with all the regulations, restrictions and costs that posters so frequently mention? Do people want al those "other people" coming in to "your beaches"?

[manekeniko]

There's never going to be a bridge or tunnel. That ship sailed 70+ years ago. It had to be built before or not long after WWII, and before the nimbys consolidated forces.

Not that I wouldn't like to see it. LI is geographically disadvantaged and always will be.

[Joe461]

Originally Posted by VA Yankee

I think too many people have played Sim City and think random bridges all over for convenience are normal. 30+ pages and I have to read 1 legitimate industry that needs this road. There's plenty of speculation of how it could lead to... but do you really think an industry is going to move in with all the regulations, restrictions and costs that posters so frequently mention? Do people want al those "other people" coming in to "your beaches"?

I run/participate in several events. I'm also involved with several organizations that host events. I wouldn't call it an "industry" per se, but between these various niche groups there are a lot of people and a lot of events.

Getting someone -even the most active people who participate in every event they can find- to come to Long Island is next to impossible. Traffic is a big part. Fear of "driving through the city" is another. Those I know who have done it once make every effort to avoid doing it again. Related events in nearby PA, CT, NJ, MA, NH are packed with participants from all over the northeast. Participants drive for hours to get there... but they don't want to come to LI. It's not the distance, it's the sheer impossibility of getting on and off this island.

A bridge from 287 to 135 would absolutely solve the problem for these people. It's not speculation. It's fact.

Using the groups and events I deal with as a sampling, I have to believe the same hold true for other groups and activities.

As Long Islanders, we are forced to travel to other states to participate. This isn't so bad because we are used to the traffic. A better way off (and back on) this island would be a very welcome addition.

As another poster noted "LI is geographically disadvantaged." A better way on/off that doesn't involved one of the worst bottle-necks in the country would help to alleviate that.

The reason it will never happen is all politics. Not because it isn't needed. Not because it isn't a good idea.

[ClarkStreetKid]

I think it's needed but not fiscally viable if it didn't generate tax revenue for the area and State.

[exm]

Originally Posted by ClarkStreetKid

I think it's needed but not fiscally viable if it didn't generate tax revenue for the area and State.

Make it privately owned. $25 to cross the tunnel/bridge and save 30 minutes or $10 to take the usual route.

[VA Yankee]

Originally Posted by Joe461

I run/participate in several events. I'm also involved with several organizations that host events. I wouldn't call it an "industry" per se, but between these various niche groups there are a lot of people and a lot of events.

Getting someone -even the most active people who participate in every event they can find- to come to Long Island is next to impossible. Traffic is a big part. Fear of "driving through the city" is another. Those I know who have done it once make every effort to avoid doing it again. Related events in nearby PA, CT, NJ, MA, NH are packed with participants from all over the northeast. Participants drive for hours to get there... but they don't want to come to LI. It's not the distance, it's the sheer impossibility of getting on and off this island.

A bridge from 287 to 135 would absolutely solve the problem for these people. It's not speculation. It's fact.

Using the groups and events I deal with as a sampling, I have to believe the same hold true for other groups and activities.

As Long Islanders, we are forced to travel to other states to participate. This isn't so bad because we are used to the traffic. A better way off (and back on) this island would be a very welcome addition.

As another poster noted "LI is geographically disadvantaged." A better way on/off that doesn't involved one of the worst bottle-necks in the country would help to alleviate that.

The reason it will never happen is all politics. Not because it isn't needed. Not because it isn't a good idea.

I think there are any number of localities that have their travel challenges even those on the mainland. But even you can't give a reason beyond event attendance or a group activities, that a pretty significant investment on par with The Big Dig in Boston for what convenience to the Fall Pumpkin Festival, its not worth it. Even if someone was stupid enough to fund this the legal battle would stretch into the next century.

People need to decide if frequent regular access is a priority for them if so then they need to reevaluate where they live. I think people in the NYC region in general wish their was an easy way to get past this giant obstacle.

[under a mountain]

It will be built right after my one seat ride to the airport.