Plans to widen some roads are drawing backlash from transit advocates who say they will lead to an increase in congestion and truck traffic.

New York state officials are planning to expand highways in all five of the city’s boroughs, prompting criticism from transit advocates who say the plans counteract the state’s climate and traffic reduction goals.
As Evan Simko-Bednarski explains in the New York Daily News, a report by advocates Riders Alliance with Vocal-NY claims that proposed projects will bring more traffic to the Hunts Point market in the Bronx, where the state plans to widen the Bruckner Expressway. “Despite a stated goal of keeping trucks off surface streets on their way to the Hunts Point market, the report’s authors said the project would create more room for vehicular traffic overall, encouraging more automobile use in the borough.”
A spokesperson for the MTA said the proposals are designed to “enhance customer safety, reduce traffic congestion, pollution and benefit local communities.” Governor Hochul’s office added that some projects include mitigations like bike lanes and new trees and landscaping while performing necessary maintenance work.
FULL STORY: Transit advocates slam New York State for planned larger highways

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
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