Texas Highway Opens Shoulders to Drivers—Congestion Disappears

An experiment in Irving on SH 161 is defying the rules of induced demand, but not by building new lanes.

1 minute read

April 18, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"State Highway 161 drivers who once sat log-jammed at a frustrating chokepoint in Irving started sailing through a three-mile stretch of highway immediately after the Texas Department of Transportation opened up inside shoulders to rush-hour motorists," reports Brandon Formby.

According to newly released data, "traffic speeds on the freeway between State Highways 183 and 114 more than doubled after TxDOT started letting drivers use the shoulders during rush hour" on September 14, 2015.

The article includes more details on the mechanics of the TxDOT's approach to traffic congestion in this example, as well discussion fo the possibility that the idea could be exported to other locations around Texas.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 in The Dallas Morning News

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

Major League Baseball Stadium

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola

A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.

March 27 - Los Angeles Times

ROwn of grey and white townhomes with gabled roofs and front porches.

Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing

To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.

March 27 - Sightline

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.