Giant robot "worms" have been tunneling towards each other through opposite sides of the Gottard Massif for years. On Friday, they finally met, completing the 19-mile tunnel.
Frank James and Mark Memmott of the NPR News blog reflect on the greatness of this engineering feat, and how sad it is that the Swiss can get such popular support for expensive infrastructure projects like this while U.S. citizens balk at paying for any public good:
"...Swiss citizens decided the Gotthard Base Tunnel was important enough they would tax themselves to pay for it, about $1300 each. Every man, woman, and child. This is not just a project of engineers, it is a project of a people."
FULL STORY: The Greatness Of Ambition Made Real In The Alps
Tesla’s Self-Driving Still Not Working in Las Vegas Tunnels
The Boring Company had previously said it was working with Tesla to use its self-driving system in its tunnels below Las Vegas to save costs on drivers, but two years later, there is no clear timeline for “full autonomy.”
Army Corps Recommends $77M Floodwall to Protect Baltimore Tunnels
In the face of growing flooding risk and increased traffic following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, federal and state officials say protecting two of Baltimore's major transportation corridors from flooding is vital.
Federal Government Awards Over $1 Billion to Nine ‘Mega’ Projects
The funding comes from a discretionary grant program aimed at supporting infrastructure projects too massive or complex for traditional funding mechanisms.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont