A plan to build a cap over Interstate 5 in Downtown Seattle has taken a small but significant step forward.
"Data collected by engineering firm WSP indicates that it is structurally possible construct a freeway lid over Interstate 5 (I-5) in Downtown Seattle within all four of the sub-areas studied, which extend from Madison Street to Denny Way," reports Natalie Bicknell.
The feasibility study also provides key findings on the engineering capabilities of the lid in terms of development that could be added in and around the I-5 lid: "The study also found that integrating midrise and highrise buildings with the lid structure would be compatible and in some cases preferable from an engineering standpoint to deal with grade changes." For more on the development potential for the I-5 lid project, see coverage by Doug Trumm published in December 2015.
Bicknell provides detailed coverage of the feasibility study's assessment of each of the four sub areas included in the project at this early stage in planning. Sub-area one, for instance, includes the Seattle Freeway Park. Sub-area two would integrate with the Seattle Convention Center.
FULL STORY: Lidding I-5 Declared “Technically Feasible” by Consultant Team
Seattle Releases RFP for Lid I-5 Study
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.
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USDOT Denies Portland Freeway Expansion Grant
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A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
New Jersey’s second-largest city bans standalone data centers
Jersey City will continue to allow co-location facilities, such as those meant for research institutions that store their own data.
Amtrak not solely to blame for New Jersey commuter rail's unreliability, report finds
A new study from the Garden State Initiative found that NJ Transit’s budget grew 20% across a 4 year period, but reliability declined significantly over the same period.
EPA erases limits on planet-warming pollution from power plants
Under Monday’s plan, power plants would still have some limits on how much mercury, arsenic and other contaminants they can emit.
Phoenix announces new on-demand transit service, more frequent RAPID buses
Both new services will launch in October, and are part of Phoenix's Project Effective Access Solutions for Easing Congestion.
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Eagle County Government
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The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association