Ranking Freeways Without Futures

The Congress for the New Urbanism releases a Top 10 list highlighting the worst, most ready-to-be-junked urban freeways. New Orleans, Syracuse, and Detroit make the list. Boulevards are a viable and much-needed alternative, says CNU.

1 minute read

February 12, 2014, 11:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


CN Tower rises above Gardiner Expressway on Toronto Waterfront

George Socka / Wikimedia Commons

Back in the days of Robert Moses, it became a sign of progress to thrust freeways directly into and through American cities. A handful of grassroots groups fought back and stopped some freeways at the gates, but most cities gained elevated highways and lost historic neighborhoods. But there is a growing understanding that turning urban highway stubs into at-grade boulevards restores the urban fabric, opens up new and valuable infill opportunities, and still manages to move cars efficiently. 

The Top 10 Freeways Without Futures are not ranked by CNU, but Claiborne Expressway in New Orleans is presented first and makes a compelling case. New York State, Robert Moses' bailiwick, takes up 3 of the 10 top slots with freeways in Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo. CNU selected the Top 10 by looking at factors such as the age of the freeway, the development potential, the timeliness of the project, and local support for the teardown. 

Click through to cnu.org for the full list.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in Congress for the New Urbanism

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

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.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

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.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square