As new design requirements come in at a late stage, bridge planners in Portland are trying to nail down a design for the new light rail bridge that is affordable, appropriate and beautiful. But the beauty aspect may fall to economics.
"Intended mainly to carry a new MAX light rail line to Milwaukie and the southeast, the bridge also would carry streetcars, buses, bicyclists and pedestrians across the river -- but no cars."
"Engineering and cost considerations are throwing hurdles at the bridge, calling for it to span tall and wide enough for barges in the river, yet low enough for train stations to nestle comfortably a few blocks from the riverbank.
"'Beautiful' is a major wild card in this debate. It may be more expensive, depending on whom you talk to."
"And it underscores a key question driving the design: Must this bridge live in the context of its neighbors, the cagelike Interstate 5 Marquam Bridge to the north and humble concrete Ross Island to the south? Or should it make its own memorable statement?"
FULL STORY: Willamette bridge planners say design is key

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

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.
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