Quote:
Originally Posted by Biff
I have to say, as unpopular as it is, i am on the don't open side. I think the overlying issue with P&M is that it is also the main transportation thoroughfare for the downtown. Not to diminish Times Square but there are over 13 other MAJOR north-south streets and even more east-west streets that connect to either the FDR or other "freeways" out of Manhattan.
Portage and Main are Winnipeg's "freeways" and that intersection carries the highest volume of traffic in the downtown area. Times Square has stores and theaters as well as the spectacle that is the lights of the square itself. P&M is just historic and old with 4 office towers. I don't see the charm or desire to want to cross 9 lanes of traffic just to get to the other side.
.......just my opinion.
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You could probably reopen the Portage Avenue East side without causing much problem. I would go for a 'scramble corner' (all traffic stopped with pedestrian crossing from any corner to any other) during off-peak hours, although perhaps only after every second or third traffic-light cycle. That way you'd get some more pedestrian traffic going, especially for tourists and people who want to experience the corner, but there would still be some incentive for impatient people to go down into the concourse. The problem is in creating a safety island in the middle, which I think would be required. I'd station two policemen at the corner permanently, which I think should be done anyway. They could double as tourist assistance and in winter they could wear buffalo coats like the Winnipeg policemen of yore.
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