A complex infrastructure investment project to build resilience into the energy grid is snarling traffic in North and Central New Jersey.
John Cichowski reports on the congestion and wayfinding frustrations in connection with a $1.2 infrastructure project in North and Central New Jersey.
The Energy Strong project, as it's called, is "building new gas mains and improving antiquated metering and switching stations so it can respond more quickly to the kinds of power failures that crippled the region when Superstorm Sandy struck in 2012." Cichowski adds: "Unlike road projects that affect a few communities at a time, Energy Strong affects 140 miles of roadway through 30 mostly flood-prone municipalities in Bergen and Passaic counties."
The problem: "With a dozen or so utility projects under way simultaneously, commuters seldom have faced so many detours. Even worse, spring and summer is the usual period for paving municipal and county roads. So, it's not uncommon for a gas-main detour in one community to overlap a road-paving detour in a neighboring community."
Cichowski provides more details about the sources of frustration as residents deal with the detours created by the project—incomplete signage is among the most common complaints.
FULL STORY: Road Warrior: $1.2 billion dig creates giant detours
Texas Grid Holds Up to Freezing Temperatures
Efforts made to prepare the state’s infrastructure for winter storms after 2021’s disastrous freeze are paying off.
How Cities Can Support Climate Adaptation
In the face of federal cuts to climate resilience funding, a panel at ULI’s Resilience Summit offered suggestions for maintaining managed retreat and other climate adaptation programs.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
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.
Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA
Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.
How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls
Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.
Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund
The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.
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)