Infrastructure

Dreaming of a Bike Path on the Western Span of the Bay Bridge

Arup released some very exciting renderings of a proposed pedestrian and bike path on one of the most picturesque and heavily-trafficked spans on the West Coast.

March 1, 2016 - The Architect's Newspaper

House Transportation Committee to Explore Sustainable Funding Options

Federal transportation leaders recognize that sustainable transportation funding options are needed to meet America's infrastructure needs. At AASHTO's Annual Washington Briefing, different funding strategies were proposed by key Congress members.

March 1, 2016 - AASHTO Journal

'The Road Taken' Uncovers the Civil Engineer's Hand in Building America's Roads

Nathan Masters reviews the new book by historian Henry Petroski, "The Road Taken," a historical look at America's roads and the civil engineers who built them.

February 29, 2016 - Los Angeles Times

Maokong Sky Gondola

When Other Transit Modes Won't Do, There's Always Sky Gondolas

One Toronto-area man is hoping that cable cars in the sky will one day complete the metro's transit system, but transportation experts see limited use for the technology.

February 29, 2016 - Hamilton Spectator

Los Angeles Downtown River

Gehry Partners Opens Up on Los Angeles River Progress

When Frank Gehry's involvement in the L.A. River restoration was announced in August 2015, the firm had already been conducting research on the project for nearly a year. For some time after that, details were scant and speculation abounded.

February 29, 2016 - The Planning Report

How San Antonio Is Working Toward Vision Zero

A post on the Rivard Report details the efforts underway in San Antonio, Texas, to reduce traffic fatalities.

February 28, 2016 - Rivard Report

Raleigh Bikeshare Debate Intensifies

Opposition to a bikeshare proposal in Raleigh, North Carolina, centers on whether enough people will use the system to justify its cost.

February 28, 2016 - The News & Observer

Syracuse Highway

America's Infrastructural Reckoning

Through the lens of Henry Petroski's new book, Tom Vanderbilt discusses why infrastructure, as we have come to define it, is such a fraught topic in American life.

February 27, 2016 - The New Republic

New Philadelphia Mayor Pitching $300 Million for Parks and Libraries

Investment in public space is shaping up as a signature initiative for new Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.

February 26, 2016 - Philadelphia

Houston Releases Ambitious Bike Plan Aimed Toward Casual Riders

The newly revealed Houston Bike Plan targets an estimated $300 million to $500 million in investments into the city's bike infrastructure.

February 25, 2016 - OffCite

Michigan DOT Set to Launch $1 Billion Highway Widening Project

The Michigan Department of Transportation will start a $1 billion, 14-year construction project later this year, on I-75, north of Detroit. Some community members are still wondering if the project is necessary.

February 25, 2016 - Detroit Free Press

Viaduct Removal Coming to Chicago's Western Avenue

Demolition of the Western Avenue viaduct will begin on March 1. An at-grade intersection will replace the old structure.

February 25, 2016 - City of Chicago

Ten States Could Hike Gas Taxes this Year

With gas prices the lowest since 2009, ten state legislatures and governors consider raising state gas taxes, though many are accompanied by fiscally questionable tax shifts. Some tried and failed last year. All of the proposed increases are modest.

February 24, 2016 - Tax Justice Blog

Miami

Miami's Looming Climate Change Disaster

Many experts believe that a property crash, as a result of Hurricanes or sea level rise, on the coast of South Florida is inevitable. But that hasn't deterred the suppliers or the consumers in the Miami real estate market.

February 24, 2016 - The American Prospect

Loan Program Provides Gentrification Defense Near Chicago's 606 Bike Trail

That beautiful new bike lane, known as the 606, in Chicago has brought along with it local concerns about gentrification. The city and a local non-profit have teamed up to create a loan program to help current residents stay ahead of the curve.

February 23, 2016 - DNAinfo Chicago

Kentucky Governor Rules Out Bridge Tolls — Could Jeopardize Federal Funding

Gas taxes and road and bridge tolls are not very popular, but important nonetheless. Gov. Matt Bevin (R) will sign a bill that prohibits tolls on a new Ohio River bridge, and might also endanger federal funding.

February 23, 2016 - Cincinnati Enquirer

Copenhagen

Compromise and an Engaged Public: Lessons From Copenhagen

Copenhagen is often cited as the world’s most livable city—a city characterized by bicycles and shared open spaces. But the road to get there has required compromise among politicians and an active and engaged community.

February 22, 2016 - Next City

San Francisco Bay bridge and Treasure Island aerial view

The Lost Art of Great Infrastructure in America

Writing in the New York Times, Allison Arieff asks what happened to the great works of public infrastructure from years past that stand as today's monuments to America’s achievements.

February 22, 2016 - The New York Times

Pricetag for LaGuardia Overhaul Gaining Altitude: Now $4.2 Billion

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is considering a proposal to replace LaGuardia Airport's Central Terminal Building.

February 21, 2016 - The Wall Street Journal

Auto Repairs From Potholes Got You Down? You Are Not Alone

A new report from the AAA indicates that American motorists encounter damage from potholes three times a year, with each incident costing an average $300 to repair. Middle and working class drivers feel the pinch disproportionately.

February 20, 2016 - AAA

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.