Three major connection projects are slated to open in the next year, bringing a comprehensive regional bikeway network one step closer to reality.

The Urbanist’s Ryan Packer describes a series of new pedestrian bridges that will connect more parts of Seattle’s Eastside and provide better access to local light rail stations. According to Packer, “all three bridges are connecting areas that have long been divided by car infrastructure, not natural barriers, and all have been in the works for well over a decade.”
The bridges—the Totem Lake Connector, the Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge, and Redmond Technology Center Bridge—will open between this summer and next year. The Totem Lake Connector, which will open this July in Kirkland, “will fill in the final gap on the city’s backbone of a regional multi-use trail, the Cross Kirkland Corridor.” The Redmond bridge, a fully covered span over SR 520, is funded by Microsoft (whose split campus will be connected by the bridge) and owned by the city.
Packer expresses optimism that these bridges will create “invaluable” connections to Kirkland and Redmond’s off-street bike and pedestrian trail networks and raise demand for more bike infrastructure.
FULL STORY: Coming Pedestrian Bridges Will Create Invaluable Connections on the Eastside

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.

Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.

Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
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Planning for Universal Design
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Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)