Infrastructure

Is the Road Usage Charge the Future of Road Funding?
"The road usage charge is the logical evolution in the way we fund surface transportation," stated Patrick Jones, Executive Director of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association at their annual transportation conference in Portland.

Charlotte Confronts Big Asphalt
For the Charlotte Observer, Ely Portillo reports on a forum calling for urbanist reforms and doubts whether auto-loving residents will be receptive.
Nepal Earthquake a Reminder of the Critical Role of Planning Enforcement
It's too late to save the lives of thousands in Nepal, but can other cities in South Asia and around the world learn from the mistakes of unplanned growth before another catastrophic event?
Tolling, Road User Charge Examined at Annual Transportation Conference
Transportation finance and road usage charging are the themes of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association's annual conference held in Portland from April 26 to 28 in downtown Portland. Oregon's road usage charge begins July 1.

Op-Ed: Minneapolis Pedestrian Bridge to Nowhere
Okay, technically it leads to the new Vikings stadium, but Nick Magrino doubts its benefits justify $6 million of public spending. A proportion of the Metropolitan Council is inclined to agree.
Minneapolis Getting Bike Friendlier
The city of Minneapolis will add 30 miles of protected bike lanes to its city, especially around Downtown.
Income Tax Cut Fuels South Carolina Gas Tax Debate
The nation's third lowest gas tax will likely see a 10-cent gas tax hike—with or without Gov. Nikki Haley's signature, who insists on a larger income tax reduction than in the bill that overwhelmingly passed the House and is now in the Senate.

U.S. DOT Will Allow and Encourage Local Hiring
The U.S. Department of Transportation has changed its rules in favor of local hiring: a pilot program will even encourage it. Minorities traditionally barred from high-paying construction work stand to benefit.

Report: Complete Streets Deliver More Than Just Good Vibes
Better safety and multimodal ease are not the only benefits offered by complete streets. According to this report, on the average they pay for themselves and then some.
TxDOT Planning Realignment of Interstate 45 in Downtown Houston
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is currently planning a significant realignment of I-45, which runs downtown. The plan could remove an elevated portion of the highway known as Pierce Elevated.
Idaho Surprise: Gas Tax Hike Signed Into Law
The legislature passed the seven-cent increase on April 11, the final day of the legislative session. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed the bill on April 21, also increasing registration fees by $21. On April 1, the bill had been considered dead.

Los Angeles May Upgrade Orange Line BRT to Rail
The San Fernando Valley's Orange Line bus rapid transit enjoys solid ridership. For an area of the city especially under-served by trains, investing in light rail might be a viable option.
Will This Bipartisan House Bill to Index the Gas Tax Succeed?
The Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure Act is taken seriously in Congress. With 17 bipartisan co-sponsors, it would index the gas tax to inflation, thus increasing the Highway Trust Fund revenue and bridging to a sustainable revenue source.
Slow, Hazardous Progress for Chicago's Navy Pier Flyover Project
A report on the progress so far on the Navy Pier Flyover, a half-mile bridge for recreational users on Chicago's Lakefront Trail.
The Conservative Method of Resilience Planning
Explaining how planning and building for resilience reconciles with Conservative politics.
10-Cent Gas Tax Increase Proposed for Road Maintenance in California
SB 16 would also increase the diesel tax (which hasn't been raised in over two decades) by 12-cents, charge electric vehicles a flat $100 annual fee, and increase registration and license fees.
Road Diet Scheduled for Two of Akron's Most Dangerous Streets
Two streets in Akron, one-way and four or five lanes across, have become too much of a safety hazard, and city officials are ready to make a change.
Report Assesses Expressway Removal Options for the Toronto Waterfront
A recently released report makes the case for removing, in part or in full, an elevated span of roadway along the Toronto Waterfront.
Transit Cuts in Wisconsin Making it Harder to Connect People to Jobs
Buses in the Milwaukee County Transit System now reach 1,300 fewer employers than it did in 2001 thanks to state budget cuts.
Planning for New Protected Bike Lanes in Northeast Seattle
The Seattle Department of Transportation is pitching new bike routes as safe infrastructure for all ages.
Pagination
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions