Infrastructure

Blue Lines on Streets to Honor Police Run Afoul of Federal Regulators
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has prohibited local municipalities from painting a blue line down the middle of streets near police stations. State and local governments are pushing back, saying the prohibition "defies common sense."

First on Chicago's Wish List from the Trump Administration: $1 Billion for Union Station
The Emanuel Administration has yet to secure needed funding for a big project to update Chicago's Union Station. Now it's up to the Trump Administration to supply a needed loan.

The Details of Sacramento's Proposed Downtown Streetcar Line
The cities of West Sacramento and Sacramento have high hopes for a streetcar line planned for some of the most beautiful and urban neighborhoods in the region. The Trump Administration could still change the course of the project, however.

Lead Testing Mandated in Illinois Schools
After a scandal exposed widespread lead contamination in Chicago schools, new legislation requires regular lead testing.

The Green Line: a Boon to Washington, D.C.
How has the Green Line benefitted the economy of Washington, D.C.? A new report counts the ways.

Review of November 2016 Transportation Ballot Measures
About 50 transportation measures appeared on local ballots on November 8, 2016. To date, Planetizen reviewed outcomes in nine regions in six states. Here we compare the measures in terms of revenue, taxes, projects, and reasons for failure.

iPhone City in Zhengzhou
Foxconn and millions who work at Apple's many suppliers make their homes in Zhengzhou, a place many in China call iPhone City.

The Impossible Dream: A One-Seat Ride to JFK
The goal of someday getting on a train in Manhattan and getting off the same train at JKFK International Airport might seem impossible, but it's not. It would be expensive and difficult, however.

The Upside of the Looming Resource Crisis
The concept of the circular economy is starting to take hold on governments and business throughout the world. Peter Moskowitz discusses the various ways the concept is being translated into practical, real-world solutions.

Indian Point Nuclear Plant to Shut Down by 2021
Continuing a string of high-profile infrastructure announcements, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a deal to shut down the Indian Point Nuclear Plant, located less than 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan.

Buffalo Billion II Promises Light Rail Extension and More
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is making a tour of his State of the State address, delivering six separate speeches in different parts of the state. His stop in Buffalo made news for its promised capital investments.

A New Long-Range Transportation Plan for Madison, WI
Proposed long-range transportation plan for Madison emphasizes biking, walking, bus rapid transit.
Chicago Gets a $1.1 Billion Federal Grant for North Side Transit Improvements
The city of Chicago was working hard to win the federal funding while the Obama Administration is still in power.
Subway Quiz: What Long-Awaited Line Opened Four Days Before the Second Ave Subway?
The 4.6-mile subway operates like some AirTrains in the U.S. that automatically whisk travelers between airport terminals without drivers and with platform screen doors at stations for enhanced safety. Where is the new line located?
More Details of Bus Rapid Transit's Expanding Reach in San Francisco
The Geary bus corridor was the #1 pick for a subway according to a Muni survey, but commuters will have to settle for bus rapid transit. A milestone was reached when the San Francisco County Transportation Authority approved the design and EIR.

$10 Billion Overhaul of JFK International Proposed
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo continued his track record of pushing for big, splashy infrastructure projects last week, this time turning the state's attention to JFK International.

13 Years Later—Environmental Review for San Francisco Bus Rapid Transit Project Complete
The California Environmental Quality Act-mandated review process for a proposed bus rapid transit project in San Francisco took 13 years to complete.

More States Diverting Funds for Walking and Biking
The Transportation Alternatives program is designed to give states power over federal transportation funding for pedestrian and bike infrastructure projects. A loophole is defeating that purpose, however.
Checking in on Two of Seattle's Bike Infrastructure Plans
The city of Seattle is moving through the planning and design stages on two important bike infrastructure projects located at the south end of Downtown.

Applying the Tricks of Tactical Urbanism to Transit
The semi-legal world of quick, informal city improvements called tactical urbanism is finding a home inside transit departments.
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