Although the cost of right of way for deep tunnel alignments is generally much less than the cost of surface easements or purchase of surface land, the time requirements and administrative costs of acquiring the sub-surface easements may be considerable. In addition, the survey work required for identifying the surface easement dimensions may be significant.
Station access and other at-grade facilities require typical property and access right of way acquisition and development. These can significantly delay implementation and increase the cost of even deep tunnels portions of the alignment.
Locations of access facilities and entrances to stations located up to 100 feet below the surface street and sidewalk elevation is extremely critical, requiring strategic location selection among other rights of way, infrastructure facilities such as water and power facilities, and existing structures.
