Why are street crossings for pedestrians not placed underground?

muttley

It is very simple. PEOPLE NEED TARGETS WHILE THEY ARE DRIVING.

T J

Some are, but remember streets often predate a rise in pedestrians. In cities, there's a lot of other stuff under the streets (piping, wiring, etc). By the time there was enough obvious traffic to warrant a tunnel, it was likely not feasible to dig a tunnel.

In cities, the walk & traffic light system takes care of pedestrians. In other areas, I've seen some schools put in tunnels to allow students to cross high-traffic areas safely, and some ski resorts do it too.

racerkeith

The underground crossings are inherently safer but the increased cost to go underground add 130% to the cost. Public agencies are routinely audited and have to get the most bang for the buck, so they stay with the standard crossings.

rhsaunders

Cost, and too much opportunity for muggers.

jerry

cost to much money,,,roads would not be able to carry heavy loads at intersections,,just think about it,,

Vivid C

all of the above answers are good, but nobody has mentioned the problem of increased crime, robbery, rape, etc. that would occur in such an enclosed area. not to mention having to put pumps in to keep out water, and then there is mold, another health hazard, potential collapse from overweighted commercial vehicles, the fact that natural gas and methane would collect and settle there killing anyone breathing that air in seconds. by the way, if you've ever seen the phone or utility company working in a man hole and have seen the big tubes going down the hole pushing air underground, now you know why. its called purging a manhole. i think all of these factors combined make crossing the street seem a whole lot safer, don't you?

Paintballer

to much $$$

SAK

Why not put the streets underground? Remember this: DRIVERS When you get out of your cars, the moment your feet are on the ground, and your car door is shut behind you, YOU ARE A PEDESTRIAN. Would you want to have the street crossing underground for yourself? I think not! Plus, safety---PEDESTRAINS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY AT STREET CROSSINGS WHEN THEIR SIGNAL IS ON! And, to be underground, in an earthquake or slide area is not very safe. Maybe a pedestrain crossing OVER the street, with good railings, and ramps, (for wheelchairs), and the fencing material from the railings over the top of the walkway, that would be okay. The states and counties would have to approve in their yearly budget to have these built. I personally think it would cost more to go underground, than above ground.

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