An experiment in Irving on SH 161 is defying the rules of induced demand, but not by building new lanes.
"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.
FULL STORY: Once TxDOT opened up SH 161 shoulders, traffic started sailing
Study: Cost of Expanding Roads Outweighs Benefits
New research shows that the economic benefits of roadbuilding projects don’t come close to exceeding most projects’ costs.
Austin Leaders Denounce 20-Lane Freeway Project
TxDOT is pushing ahead with plans for a massive freeway expansion project through downtown Austin despite opposition from virtually all local leaders.
New Tool Calculates Induced Demand Caused by Road Widening Projects
The calculator can help transportation advocates and agencies project how many additional miles and emissions a highway widening project would create.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
California Homeless Arrests, Citations Spike After Ruling
An investigation reveals that anti-homeless actions increased up to 500% after Grants Pass v. Johnson — even in cities claiming no policy change.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)