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.

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

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.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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