A new pedestrian bridge over a freeway has reconnected a Detroit neighborhood with new accessibility and a new park.
"When plans for reconfiguring the knot of highways and surface streets began in the 1980s, community leaders in Mexicantown realized the three-year construction-Michigan's biggest-ever transportation project-would have dire consequences for business owners. They fought to offset the impact with a pedestrian bridge to reunify Bagley Avenue, split in the early 1970s by the I-75 interstate freeway.
"We were able to make an infrastructure project a part of a larger vision of economic development for the neighborhood and southwest Detroit," said Margaret Garry, former vice president of real estate and development for the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation (MCDC) and managing partner at Detroit Geothermal."
The project was more than 25 years in the making, but is finally complete.
FULL STORY: Motor City Freeway Span
New International Bridge Rising Over the Detroit River
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is under construction, towering over the Detroit River at a height of 772 feet on the U.S. side of the river.
Massive Private Gift to Fund Parks and Trails in Detroit, Buffalo
The gift is especially notable for its contributions toward efforts to redevelop Detroit's West Riverfront.
An Ambitious Revitalization Partnership in Detroit
Bringing together the city, developers, and philanthropic support, Fitz Forward aims to redevelop 300 parcels. Backers hope it will serve as a model for other neighborhoods.
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.
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.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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.
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.
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