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.
Topping off a year of copious freeway greening and mitigation measures, the city of Seattle in December issued an RFP for a feasibility study on constructing a freeway cap park over I-5.
The proposed Lid I-5 would extend over the highway from Denny Way to Madison Street in central Seattle. Building the concrete "lid" over the road could essentially create hundreds of acres of new urban space for buildings, parks, and pedestrians.
The winning consultant team will be tasked with completing a preliminary analysis that maps out design opportunities and constraints, offers multiple concepts, and identifies possible funding plans. The city aims for the feasibility study to begin in March and be completed in 12-14 months. View the RFP here.
FULL STORY: Seattle Releases Request for Proposals for Lid I-5 Feasibility Study
Visions for Lidding I-5 in Downtown Seattle
The notion of fully capping I-5 as it runs through central Seattle has been gaining steam. The city could stand to gain hundreds of acres of urban land.
Take a Look at Midtown Atlanta's Proposed Freeway Cap Park
Inspiration for the cause of putting a 25-acre park on top of a 14-lane freeway.
I-5 Study Shows Benefits of Capping Urban Freeways
Putting a lid on the interstate through downtown Seattle could create new space for parks and housing, reduce pollution, and reconnect the disrupted street grid.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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.
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)