Paradoxically, Chicago's roads are more gridlocked than ever despite fewer trips by car overall due to gas prices.
"How can that be in light of the reduction in miles driven? A combination of factors.
Roadways were already so badly saturated with traffic before the recent spikes in fuel prices that the decline in miles traveled hasn't significantly loosened the gridlock.
In addition, major construction projects, temporarily shutting down lanes on the Edens Expressway, the Stevenson Expressway and the Tri-State Tollway have effectively canceled out the gains from many vehicles being driven less.
For an average of 13 hours and 19 minutes each day, vehicle speeds are less than 50 m.p.h. on at least 20 percent of the Chicago-area highway system, according to the Urban Congestion Report compiled by the Federal Highway Administration."
FULL STORY: We drive less, but roads are still full, Chicago-area study says
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How a ‘control tower’ approach can improve mobility and reduce congestion and emissions.
Tolling All Lanes
Bay Area transportation planners are studying a radical idea to reduce traffic congestion and fund driving alternatives: tolling all lanes on a freeway. Even more radical, the plan considers tolling parallel roads.
A Serious Critique of Congestion Costs and Induced Vehicle Travel Impacts
Some highway advocates continue to claim that roadway expansions are justified to reduce traffic congestion. That's not what the research shows. It's time to stop obsessing over congestion and instead strive for efficient accessibility.
Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.
Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.
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Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.
FTA Announces Accessibility Funding for ‘Legacy Stations’
The 2024 budget includes close to $350 million for accessibility improvements at transit stations.
Green Spaces Benefit Neighborhoods—When Residents can Reach Them
A study comparing green space and walkability scores found that, without effective access to local parks, residents of greener neighborhoods don’t reap the health benefits.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
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San Joaquin County
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
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National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.
