MTA plans a “Death Trap Tunnel” to cut costs
DC Metro Crash "Worst Disaster in Metro History" kills 9. Image from WJLA, Washington, June '09.
The MTA has scrambled to cut costs for the Red Line Alternative 4C to make the project qualify for Federal funds. One controversial plan would put a single-track tunnel under Cooks Lane. Edward Cohen, a member of the Red Line CAC and of TRAC, recently wrote a letter to Congressman Cummings expressing his opposition to this tunnel for reasons of safety (click to read). It is shocking how dangerous this tunnel would be.
Mr. Cohen explained that this is a “death trap tunnel” with three blind corners and trains coming from both directions at speeds of 50mph. This creates the possibility of a 100-mph collision and a multiple train pileup! No other rail in the U.S. has seen fit to build such a risky tunnel.