The Northern Avenue Bridge in Boston—a 100-year-old swing bridge used by pedestrians and cyclists—was closed abruptly due to structural defects.
Boston "has closed the Old Northern Avenue Bridge, citing 'deterioration beyond repair' to the floor beams," reports Nicole Duncga. "The city offered no clear plans for the future of the 640-foot steel and concrete span across the Fort Point channel, raising fears that it may not be returned to service." Duncga also adds that it's the second bridge in Boston to close down abruptly since October.
"For years, the Old Northern Avenue Bridge teetered on the brink of demolition as city officials pointed out drawbacks in continuing to maintain it. But preservationists say the bridge, constructed in 1908, is one of the state’s few 'swing' bridges, spans that rotate horizontally when water traffic needs to pass."
Shirley Leung has also written a column that editorializes the political context about the bridge's history, as well as its potential future.
FULL STORY: City closes Northern Avenue Bridge in South Boston
New North Avenue Bridge in Boston Would Ban Cars
The "people first" design favored by the city of Boston would not allow for cars on the planned North Avenue Bridge replacement.
Boston Bus Signal Priority Project Yields Faster Travel Times
The city now plans to expand a year-long pilot project that reduced the time buses waited at traffic signals.
Boston Rail Network Sees Significant Increases in Speed After Eliminating ‘Slow Zones’
A year-long project that upgraded rail infrastructure and equipment has resulted in faster trips on all rail lines.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)