The Texas Transportation Commission has approved a $1.6 billion expansion project for Interstate 365, also known as LBJ East. The project is considered North Texas' most pressing transportation need.
"The Texas Department of Transportation now has its governing body's approval to seek bids on 10.8 miles of Interstate 635 between Central Expressway and Interstate 30 — known as LBJ East to planners," reports Ray Leszcynski.
"The result will be another free lane in each direction, continuous frontage roads that the 50-year-old freeway doesn't have now, and an improved interchange at Interstate 30. The current HOV/Express Lanes in each direction, which are tolled, are 'grandfathered' into the deal and will be rebuilt," adds Leszcynski.
A follow-up column by Leszcynski opens the discussion to questions about the long-term viability of Texas' transportation spending agenda in the Dallas area, i.e., how it will ever be possible for state and local authorities to come up with $24 billion in projects on the Texas Department of Transportation's wish list for the Dallas district. The LBJ Freeway project is only the third-most expensive project on that list, though it is the top priority for the region.
According to Leszcynski, the roadmap for infrastructure spending provided by the LBJ Freeway's example is very much an unproven concept.
FULL STORY: $1.6 billion LBJ East project gets official blessing from TxDOT
Columnist to Dallas: Tear Down That Freeway
Freeways have been removed before, but if the Texas Department of Transportation decides to tear down the I-345 freeway in Dallas, it would reflect a massive sea change in urban transportation planning.
Dallas DOT Brings New Mobility Vision to the Region
The agency’s director wants to change the city’s transportation priorities and provide more mobility options to residents.
The City of Dallas Rejects the State of Texas on Plans to Widen Interstate 30
A plan to widen the Interstate 30 in Dallas is pitting state transportation officials, with ostensible goals to serve regional transportation needs, against local officials, who are more concerned with "neighborhood-centric ideals."
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.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service