The lesson is simple: don't widen freeways if you want to reduce congestion and auto-dependence.
Joe Cortright offers a collection of case studies on the futility of highway widening projects.
Cortright is offering these lessons in opposition to a proposal "to spend upwards of a billion dollars on three freeway widening projects" in the region around Portland, Oregon.
According to Cortright, the idea of widening freeways to lessen congestion has been "thoroughly debunked." In fact, writes Cortright, "[e]conomists now talk about the 'Fundamental Law of Road Congestion'–each incremental increase in highway capacity generates a proportionate increase in traffic, with the effect that congestion quickly rebounds to previous levels–accompanied by more sprawl, longer trips and increased pollution."
As examples to counter the argument of Oregon's highway widening project proponents, Cortright lists Houston (specifically, the 23-lane Katy Freeway), Dallas (i.e., the decision to cancel the Trinity Parkway), Louisville (the infamous Spaghetti Junction and Ohio River Bridges Project completed earlier this year), and Rochester (which began removing the Inner Loop freeway in late 2016).
Read the full story: What Dallas, Houston, Louisville & Rochester can teach us about widening freeways: Don’t!
Removal Over Reconstruction: Rectifying Crumbling U.S. Highways
Successful urban highway deconstruction projects have swapped highways for boulevards and saw economic, public health, and urban design benefits. Will more cities opt for highway removal programs over reconstruction?
Texas Central Railway Could Have “Massive Positive Impact”
Amtrak took the lead on the proposed high-speed rail project, which would connect Houston and Dallas in less than 90 minutes.
Texas High-Speed Rail Plan Calls for Eminent Domain
The proposed rail line would link Dallas and Houston via a 90-minute trip.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction
Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.
The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city
Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.
New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs
The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello