The plan to top I-5 in Seattle with a cap park—what writer Natalie Bicknell calls "the most ambitious effort in our region"—is moving ahead with a $1.5 million feasibility study.
Topping off a year of copious freeway greening and mitigation measures, the city of Seattle in December issued an RFP for a feasibility study on constructing a freeway cap park over I-5.
The proposed Lid I-5 would extend over the highway from Denny Way to Madison Street in central Seattle. Building the concrete "lid" over the road could essentially create hundreds of acres of new urban space for buildings, parks, and pedestrians.
The winning consultant team will be tasked with completing a preliminary analysis that maps out design opportunities and constraints, offers multiple concepts, and identifies possible funding plans. The city aims for the feasibility study to begin in March and be completed in 12-14 months. View the RFP here.
FULL STORY: Seattle Releases Request for Proposals for Lid I-5 Feasibility Study
Visions for Lidding I-5 in Downtown Seattle
The notion of fully capping I-5 as it runs through central Seattle has been gaining steam. The city could stand to gain hundreds of acres of urban land.
Take a Look at Midtown Atlanta's Proposed Freeway Cap Park
Inspiration for the cause of putting a 25-acre park on top of a 14-lane freeway.
I-5 Study Shows Benefits of Capping Urban Freeways
Putting a lid on the interstate through downtown Seattle could create new space for parks and housing, reduce pollution, and reconnect the disrupted street grid.
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