A controversial road diet has faced disapproval from local business owners, but data shows a significant reduction in crashes and a minimal increase in congestion.
After implementing a controversial road diet, the city of Lakeland, Florida has seen a 12% drop in crashes in the area, reports Staci DaSilva for WFLA. Last September, the city reduced one mile of South Florida Avenue to three lanes (down from four) and widened the remaining lanes to the industry-standard 11 feet, placing temporary concrete buffers between the sidewalk and traffic lanes.
Some local business owners have expressed disapproval for the redesigned street, claiming that they are losing customers frustrated by increased congestion and expressing concern about access for emergency vehicles. City officials say that, according to the data, the road diet has only added an average of 60 seconds to the time it takes to traverse the affected stretch of road, and the number of vehicles passing through the area on a daily basis hasn't changed. Other locals support the project, arguing that "the new setup is not only safer, but actually good for business." In a phenomenon dubbed "good congestion," a mild slowdown "allows drivers to pay attention to local storefronts."
The city will accept public suggestions for how to utilize the buffer space and make the changes permanent.
FULL STORY: Lakeland ‘road diet’ leads to fewer crashes, more congestion, city officials say
USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.
Study: Larger Vehicles Lead to More Congestion
New research links large SUVs to lower traffic throughput.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Roundabout
What drives the U.S. backlash to roundabouts — objectively safer and more efficient than stop-and-go intersections?
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