Opponents of two new planned highways in greater Toronto argue the construction of new roads is 'short-sighted at best' and would threaten the region's greenbelt areas.
Karen Longwell reports on plans to build two new highways in the Greater Toronto Area, Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass. The projects face opposition from environmental groups who denounce the destruction of farmland and greenbelt protected areas that lay in the path of the proposed roads. "At a time when world leaders are gathered to take action against climate change, many argue that these plans seem short-sighted at best," writes Longwell.
According to Environmental Defence, "Highway 413 alone would also add over 17 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, at a time when cutting emissions is more urgent than ever." Meanwhile, the government claims the new roads will alleviate traffic and reduce gridlock in the region.
Elsewhere in Toronto, the city is rehabilitating the Gardiner Expressway with plans to integrate a linear park, bike lanes, flood protection measures, and other improvements into the redesigned expressway.
FULL STORY: Ontario plans two new highways but people hate where they will be located
How the Environmental Review Process Privileges Highway Construction Over Transit
U.S. transit projects have a much harder time getting environmental approval than road projects, perpetuating the dominance of cars in U.S. transportation policy.
Proposed Colorado Rule Calls for Mitigating Climate Effects of Road Projects
State and local agencies would be tasked with evaluating and offsetting the carbon emissions caused by new transportation projects.
Wales to Cease Road Construction Projects in Bid to Achieve Net Zero Emissions
The Welsh government is taking a bold stand for climate action.
Federal Railroad Administration Proposes New Midwest Rail Network
If built, regional high-speed rail networks could provide an alternative to uncomfortable air travel and prevent travelers from becoming stranded at airports during extreme weather.
Planning Trends to Watch in 2022
Building a framework of understanding for the year to come.
Massive New Park Coming to the Inland Empire
A 3.5-mile long greenway will bring trails, recreational facilities, and open space to Ontario, in San Bernardino County, California.
New GOP Governor's Anti-Climate Agenda Takes Shape in Virginia
New Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin made promises on the campaign trail to reverse the state's commitment to climate reductions.
Houston Area's Center of Gravity Shifts Outside the Loop
The population center of Harris County is now outside central Houston, a shift that occurred over the last two decades as the region's suburbs blossomed.
ITE Quickbites: New Transportation and Health Resources
Transportation planning decisions affect our lives in many ways. New Quick Bites (short reports) published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers can help create healthier and happier communities.
San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)
City of San Mateo
Art Rodriguez Associates
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Mt. Shasta
Ferguson Township, Centre County, PA
Town of Palm Beach
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.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.
