Chicago Mayor Richard Daley proposed a revised version of a crosstown expressway his father, former Mayor Richard J. Daley, first envisioned almost 30 years ago. The mayor's new plan for a Mid-City Transitway would utilize existing rights of way.
"The Crosstown envisioned by the mayor's father, Richard J. Daley, would have run roughly parallel to Cicero Avenue on the city's western edge, providing an interstate truck route that bypassed downtown. It would have linked the Kennedy and Edens Expressways on the Northwest Side with the Stevenson, Midway Airport and the Ryan. But it died because thousands of homes and businesses would have been displaced in order to build it. That's still a problem."
"But traffic is still a problem, too, and getting worse. In 2002, Daley started looking at ways to build a rapid-transit line or a truck bypass along the Crosstown corridor. His Mid-City Transitway would begin near the CTA Blue Line's Jefferson Park station and head south past Midway, turn east along 75th Street and end at the Ryan. It would intersect with the CTA's Orange and Red lines and connect the city's two airports. Options being studied include a CTA-type line, a light rail line, a commuter train service like Metra or a bus rapid-transit line. A trucks-only road could be added if space allowed."
"Unlike his father's plan--or Madigan's--Daley's Mid-City would mostly use existing railroad rights-of-way, avoiding the need to acquire land and uproot residents. Its other advantage is that it involves mass transit, moving more people while causing less pollution. A truck bypass is also a good idea, especially if it could fit on the same footprint."
Thanks to David Kralik
FULL STORY: Crosstown back from the dead

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie