A $1.6 billion plan to expand Ga. 400 is taking shape in Fulton County and not every local entity is happy about the state's vision for the future of the route.
"As a deadline looms to cement plans for a Ga. 400 expansion through north Fulton County, leaders in three cities are still working to negotiate their wish lists with state road planners," report Ben Brasch and Arielle Kass.
The proposed project would spend $1.6 billion to expand the state highway, adding express lanes on an elevated roadway. The project is being described as the most transformative road project in north Fulton County in decades. "The state plans to add 16 miles of tolled express lanes on Ga. 400 between the North Springs MARTA station and McFarland Parkway. It also represents MARTA’s first step in a larger expansion north, adding four bus rapid transit stations along the road."
The Fulton County school district has large concerns about the plan, according to the article. "The Fulton County Schools’ superintendent said the plan to build Ga. 400 express lanes close to two schools puts students at risk. He said he would need as much as $10 million more from taxpayers to keep children safe."
The Georgia Department of Transportation is under time pressure to finish designs for the plan to send for approval to the federal government by the end of the month.
FULL STORY: Ga. 400 plan could cost Fulton schools nearly $10M for safety

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont