Freeway Removal Movement Slowly Gains Steam

Although the concept has recently received more national attention thanks in part to the federal Reconnecting Communities Act, cities have shown reluctance to support highway removal projects.

1 minute read

August 15, 2022, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Embarcadero

San Francisco's Embarcadero is one successful example of transforming a former highway into a pedestrian-oriented thoroughfare. | Oscity / Shutterstock

Although the concept of freeway removal is picking up steam as more communities call for a reversal of the car-centric policies that led to rampant highway construction over the last half century, the movement still faces some challenges. Pointing to an example from Dallas, Texas, Jared Brey writes that some cities and transportation departments are still less than willing to support full highway removal. Meanwhile, the $1 billion program for highway removal in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is “much smaller than originally envisioned, when it was included in Biden’s Build Back Better proposal with $20 billion of funding.”

Maintaining highways is a costly and time-consuming physical feat, but so is removing them. And it leaves open tough questions about what should be done with the new space that it creates: How it should be used and by whom, for whose benefit and profit.

As Brey writes, “In Dallas, TxDOT is hoping to move ahead with a plan to sink portions of I-345 but keep the highway intact,” citing the potential for additional congestion if the highway is removed altogether. “But there’s much more at stake in highway removal, from potential health benefits to adjacent communities to the possibility of ever-more-rapid gentrification.”

Thursday, August 11, 2022 in Governing

Chicago Intercity Rail

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects

Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

September 25, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Google maps street view of San Francisco alleyway.

Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’

A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?

September 26, 2023 - Fast Company

Google street view of yellow "End Freeway 1/4 mile" sign on 90 freeway in Los Angeles, California.

Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing

A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.

September 26, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Unhoused encampment on dry lawn with Art Deco building in background in Oakland, California.

California Legislative Package Seeks to Address Homelessness and Mental Health

The state is investing $22 billion in supportive housing, mental health services, shelter beds, and housing units for its most vulnerable residents.

7 hours ago - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

Aerial view of residential buildings in Koreatown, Los Angeles with downtown skyline in background

Advancing Shade Equity in LA’s Koreatown

Koreatown is one of Los Angeles's densest and most park-poor communities. A privately funded tree planting initiative will bring some much needed greenery and shade to the area.

October 3 - LAist

Cars passing through flooded street after Hurricane Sandy in New York City.

Federal Government Announces National Climate Resilience Framework

The document is designed to guide federal investment into community-driven solutions tailored to local conditions and needs.

October 3 - Smart Cities Dive

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.