An Integrated Engineering-Planning Approach to the Preservation, Improvement, and Replacement of Elevated Transportation Structures

This paper outlines the considerations surrounding the community acceptance of elevated railroad and rapid transit structures, both old and planned for future construction. Covered are such factors as type of neighborhood affected, land use, traffic surveys, urban renewal plans, and environmental considerations. Particular emphasis is placed upon methods of improving existing elevated structures: evaluation of the physical condition and load-carrying ability of the structure, need for structural repairs, and improved analysis techniques. Computer modeling techniques have been applied to these studies.

It is shown that through use of these techniques, the transit operator can more accurately plan renewal programs to reflect the community's needs.