A new report is potentially a first step in a larger project to revamp Chicago's Pedway—an under-appreciated network of tunnels in downtown Chicago.
Blair Kamin shares the details of a new report that delves into the city of Chicago's Pedway—"the underground network of tunnels and corridors that links more than 50 downtown buildings, CTA Red and Blue Line stations, as well as the Metra station beneath Millennium Park."
The Chicago-based Environmental Law & Policy Center commissioned the study, in partnership with Broadway in Chicago and the Chicago Loop Alliance. A new 38-page study is the result.
Kamin, who is a "veteran" Pedway user, offers his assessment of the report's recommendations. "While some of the suggested tools, like consistently labeled signs, are no-brainers, others, such as the cube-shaped entrance pavilion, promise imaginative touches of architectural spectacle. The Pedway needs both."
The article also includes more details about the report, and the status of the political support that could move forward with the ideas included in the report.
Read the full story: Tool kit offered to improve Chicago's Pedway; city should put it to use
Report: Chicago surpassed its legal mandate for accessible pedestrian signals — but none passed inspections
Gaps in accessibility, placement and functionality highlight the importance of regular inspections and maintenance.
Chicago Judge Orders Thousands of Accessible Ped Signals
Only 3% of the city's crossing signals are currently accessible to blind pedestrians.
Chicago Made Hundreds of Accessibility Upgrades in 2024
The city has improved over 200 bus stops and 400 of its nearly 3,000 intersections to make them safer for people with disabilities.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
Brightline Florida files for bankruptcy
The transit company is over $5 billion in debt.
St. Louis Metro to test if single-car trains can reduce operating costs, maintain rider satisfaction
The pilot program will run from October to spring 2027, and begin with one single-car train operating on Metrolink’s Red and Blue lines.
Pennsylvania is building data centers in abandoned mines
Housing data centers in mines provides an alternative to destroying local forests and may spare residents from data centers’ noise and air pollution.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello