A $24 million price tag for a "loopy-lop" pedestrian bridge for Atlanta Falcons fans is called in to question.
In Atlanta, a proposed pedestrian bridge to connect the Vine City MARTA station to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home of the Falcons football team, carries a hefty price tag. At $24 million, the bridge would be more than two blocks in length, intended to bypass a 70 foot crosswalk. The Saporta Report calls for that funding to be spent on improvements that are more needed on an everyday basis, not just gameday.
The proposed bridge would cross over Northside Drive, and including the looping ramps to elevate pedestrians over the roadway, would be 700 feet long. Plans to make Northside Drive into a complete street are already underway, but have not yet been implemented.
The Saporta Report points out that $24 million could pay for 200 traffic signals or address 10% of the city's backlog of broken sidewalks.
We now can embark on a more collaborative, inclusive, rational and efficient way in how we decide to invest in our Atlanta’s future.
"A good place to start would be to stop the pricey, loopy-loop pedestrian bridge over Northside Drive. Then we can reallocate those funds to make Northside Drive a corridor that really connects the people in our city."
FULL STORY: Money to Build Pricey Pedestrian Bridge Over Northside Drive Should be Spent at Street Level
Arts, Sports, and Development in Atlanta
Galleries and clubs ponder inevitable change and gentrification in South Atlanta as developers show interest.
Atlanta Toll Lane Project Gains Support From Cobb County
The Georgia Department of Transportation is continuing work on an expansion of I-285, claiming the new express lanes could cut travel times by as much as 39 percent.
Atlanta Street Extension Project Will Benefit Transit Access
Plans to extend 15th Street in Midtown Atlanta are designed to improve access to the Arts Center MARTA station.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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