Two major reports released in the last couple of weeks detail very different approaches to fixing the highway system in the U.S. At the National Journal, experts weigh in on who has the right approach.
The debate is between a "Fix it First" policy as detailed by U.S. PIRG in their report Road Work Ahead: Holding Government Accountable for Fixing America's Crumbling Roads and Bridges, or a focus on relieving urban congestion as approached by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, in their report "Unlocking Gridlock."
Keith Laughlin, president of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, says, "Framing the issue as fix-it first vs. new highway capacity makes for a spirited debate, but leaves out some closely related elements of the equation, particularly (1) more effectively managing demand on existing highway capacity and (2) meeting increased demand for mobility through investments in expanding capacity in other transportation modes."
Read the full story: How Should We Prioritize Highway Spending?
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California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
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Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
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Los Angeles just elected an urban planner as its mayor
Transportation analysts are optimistic that Raman will be more aggressive in addressing transit issues than Bass.
Mamdani’s pied-à-terre tax survives legal challenge
A panel of judges found that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate injury as a result of New York City's implementation of the tax.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority