making lindbergh intermodal

city beat has a good summary of the recent proposal to move lindbergh's terminals to the northeast end of the airport, along kettner blvd. a new "intermodal" (trolley/train/car) transportation center would be built there too. having direct rail service to the airport is long overdue and could potentially reduce traffic in the area. this is important given the increased traffic forecast for harbor dr. as a result of several new gates proposed for terminal 2.

the renderings of the new center inclue a large trolley/train station with a pedestrian overpass connecting to the airport (shown above). car access and parking are located nearby. from looking at google map views of the vast empty parking lot in this area, there would appear to be plenty of room. plus, moving terminals to the northern end of the aiport could potentially open up some room on the harbor-facing south side of the airport for other uses.

the port commission appears to be against the project due to potential loss of revenues. why improve an airport when it might actually lessen their cash flow? of course they may just be posturing in order to provide greater input, but once again the port has its own interests in mind over the public that they are supposed to represent. hopefully our political leaders will use whatever powers necessary to get the project accomplished, even if it means pushing aside an increasingly out-of-touch port district.

the next rendering is a wider shot looking north, and shows the "green" parking lot on the roof of the train station, which seems like a great use of vertical space:



other renderings show pacific highway passing between the transit center and the airport, underneath the short-term parking there. this is another neat idea and is likely a result of talking to transportation planners rather than the port district.
it will be interesting to see whether a bold proposal like this can get done in a city not known for innovative civic projects.