The High Line is a famous example of urban revitalization, but a useful commuter path it is not. Can a similar proposal in Philadelphia offer the benefits of beautification and mobility?
Malcom Burnley revisits the idea of a linear park like the one proposed for the Reading Viaduct in Philadelphia as a benefit to the mobility of the city, not just another example of urban beautification similar to the example set by the High Line in New York City.
Burnley tours the proposed route with Michael Garden, boardmember with the Friends of the Rail Park, the driving force behind the proposed project. Before discussing its potential mobility benefits of the park, Brunley provides this summary of the long-term plans for the park:
In Phase 1, the elevated rail line would be repurposed, much like the High Line. In Phase 2, a 1.75-mile stretch of underground tunnels and dug-out space known as the City Branch (or, colloquially in transit circles, as “The Cut”) would be redone into a green corridor with paved throughways that might rival the cool factor of the Schuylkill Banks.
Distinguishing the Viaduct Rail Park proposal from the often-clogged High Line, "Garden envisions both the above-ground and below-ground portions of project as having ample room for bike lanes, running/pedestrian lanes, recreational space and even retail kiosks with coffee (and maybe some of those bougie popsicles)."
Burnley's conclusion after considering Garden's points:
I’d argue that the proposed rail park would not be transformative in the way that, say, stripping parking minimums from the zoning code or creating rapid transit on Roosevelt Boulevard would be. In that sense, maybe it’s a luxury transportation improvement. Nonetheless, it’s one that the city deserves.
The article follows an earlier article by Brunley listing 20 "smart transportation ideas" underway in Philadelphia. At the time, he left the Reading Viaduct off the list. An October study by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission [pdf] concluded the potentially building a bus-only route along the path of the viaduct would be too expensive.
FULL STORY: Reading Viaduct Park Would Make Getting Around Philly Easier
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis
SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.
Milwaukee Residents Challenge Freeway Expansion
Residents are voicing opposition to a planned expansion of Interstate 94, arguing that the project would eliminate the limited green space in the neighborhood.
New York Congestion Pricing Approved by MTA Board
The program took another step forward as the board approved a proposed pricing scheme, but lawsuits still stand in the way of full implementation.
Video: Making Transit Better
How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.