Infrastructure
Bike Path From London to Paris Could Be Smoother
The BBC tries out a new bike route connecting London to Paris and finds room for improvement.
USA Today Takes Survey On Whether To Invest in HSR
USA Today's traveler reporter asks, "Should the U.S. invest in High-Speed Rail?" (readers check their answer and results are available). He cites the usual critics but also notes the challenges it must face in order to build a successful line.
Friday Funny: Bike Path FAIL
Keep your eyes on the road - or maybe not, with this bike path fiasco from FAILBlog.
America's Faulty, Dangerous Transportation Systems
Safety is an escalating issue in America across the maritime, air, highway and rail networks, as revealed in this extensive investigation by The Center for Public Integrity and News21.
Small But Important Steps in Amtrak's High Speed Rail Plan
Amtrak has unveiled a $117 billion plan to build and increase high speed rail in the U.S.
Managed Roads Favored Over Expansion in Twin Cities
Officials in the Twin Cities are looking to shift away from major road expansion projects and focus more on creating managed lanes that are intended to put a price on avoiding traffic within the two cities.
Paying for Roads: Drivers Versus Cyclists
This piece from The Vancouver Sun asks who pays their fair share for roads and transportation infrastructure costs: car drivers or cyclists?
A New Waterfront in the Works for Seattle
Seattle is panning to tear down an aging viaduct that runs along its waterfront and replace it with a tunnel beneath downtown. When the viaduct falls, the city is looking to increase public space on a new waterfront.
HOT Lane Litigation Condemned By Legislators
Arlington County's litigation of construction of three High Occupancy Toll lanes based on civil rights violation (because of exposure to air pollution of those living near I-95/395) has prompted the bi-partisan wrath of 2 of VA's top state senators.
Future Olympic Host Working Around the Clock
Sochi, Russia, is set to play host to the Winter Olympics in 2014. Preparations are fast underway, with construction work happening practically around the clock.
Immigrant Growth Powers Houston As A Global City
The growth of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Continental Airlines' largest hub but also one of he principal destinations away from the coasts for international carriers, has vastly increased passenger traffic and allowed Houston's reinvention.
Daley's Success As Chicago's 20-Year Mayor
Neal Pierce argues that retiring Mayor Daley's achievements in Chicago "stand out as beacons for mayors, American and worldwide, to emulate." He attributes some of his success to sheer political skill, but also examines seven effective policy shifts.
Broadway's "Self-Reinforcing Cycle"
In the last 2 years, New York's Broadway has given up 3.5 miles of traffic lanes and parking to bike lanes and pedestrian access, and gained a significant improvement in congestion and accident rates.
Amid Growth, the Colorado River is Running Dry
Freshwater resources are running out and being overused -- a global crisis that can be seen in the declining flows of the Colorado River.
Irrigation Project Spurs Protests in Peru
A proposed irrigation project near the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru that would divert water away from small villages has sparked violent protests.
Light at End of Tunnel for Southern States' Water Fight
The tri-state fight over water in Alabama, Georgia and Florida is still raging, but some believe a negotiated settlement is not far off. However, there is potential for the fight to go all the way to the Supreme Court.
Why the Infrastructure Bank is Right On
Columnist Neal Peirce throws his weight behind the Obama Infrastructure Bank proposal.
The Top 10 Most Global Cities
Emily Peck counts down the top ten most global cities now that more than half the world's population is urbanized. The 21st century will be dominated by the city, writes Parag Khanna. “The age of nations is over. The new urban age has begun.”
Dulles Metro Link to Run Nearly $4 Billion
The second phase of a project to connect Washington D.C.'s Metro system to Dulles International Airport will cost nearly $4 billion.
Evolving Tech Takes the Pulse of Bridges
With infrastructure aging, technology is increasingly relied upon to assess the safety of bridges. Many places are finding that simple monitoring devices can help save money.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
