In naming a highway after an green business pioneer, the state of Georgia took an initial step in what has become a growing effort to implement a new focus on the environment in the state's transportation system.
Andria Simmons begins a recent article with a seemingly simple question: "Is it possible to turn a highway from something that pollutes noise, air and water into an environmental scrubber that pays for its own upkeep?" That's the difficult question tackled by transportation officials in West Georgia, in overhauling a 16-mile stretch of I-85 between LaGrange and West Point.
The I-85 in this part of the state was named for the late Ray C. Anderson, famous for using his carpet company Interface as a vehicle to pioneer green business practices. Since the naming, projects to beautify the stretch of highway have grown more ambitious. "The mission now is to transform the highway into a model of green technology and innovation," according to Simmons. "Capitalizing upon government, corporate and philanthropic backing, a slate of projects are in development." Georgia Tech has also assisted in creating a baseline study introducing some of the potential for the highway to become an innovation test bed.
FULL STORY: Highway of the Future being developed in Georgia
Disconnecting Communities: Measuring the Social Impacts of Freeways
Research from 50 major U.S. cities shows social connections are weakest in neighborhoods where highways are present.
Highway Removal Slowed by Outdated Policy, Lack of Committed Funding
Resistance from state transportation departments and precarious funding sources mean highway removal projects are few and far between, despite their benefits.
Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future
This Union of Concerned Scientists study examines why and how to improve resource-efficient travel options to achieve diverse goals. It estimates that more efficient transport could save up to $201 billion in energy and $128 billion in health costs.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions