Dallas has ended decades of debate about a highway project proposed to run along the Trinity River.
"The Trinity toll road is dead," reports Stephen Young. "After limited discussion Wednesday morning, the Dallas City Council voted 13-2 to abandon Alternative 3C, the only federally approved plan for a road between the Trinity River levees."
According to Young's coverage of the event, the final nail in the coffin of the controversial project seemed ensured last week, during a briefing on the status of the project.
In additional coverage, Robert Wilonsky provides commentary on the political will behind the decision. According to Wilonsky's take, the demise of the project could be credited to former Dallas City Councilmember Angela Hunt. Wilonsky writes:
The vote, overwhelming and unimaginable but two years ago, did not stop Hunt from tearing up, just a bit, and reveling in the moment. She had waited for this since 2007, when, as a young council member, she led the special citywide referendum to kill the road that was thwarted by road-builders, landowners, politicians and Dallas Citizens Council members who made it their life's mission to sink Hunt's efforts.
Wilonsky has been a regular reference in Planetizen's coverage of the Trinity Toll Road over the years.
FULL STORY: Dallas City Council Kills the Trinity Toll Road
Critic Sees 'Dallas Logic' in Latest Trinity River Plans
Mark Lamster has eviscerated the city of Dallas for its plans to build the Trinity Toll Road before—and he'll probably do it again.
Trinity Toll Road 'Dream Team' Disappoints in Dallas
Dallas reached another milestone in its years-long battle over a proposal to build a toll road through a park along the Trinity River on the edge of downtown. The latest version of the proposal so far hasn't cleared any controversies.
Is This the Trinity Park Plan of Dallas' Dreams?
Architecture critic Mark Lamster finally sees a proposal worth cheering for in Dallas' plans for a new park along the Trinity River.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Pedestrian Deaths Drop, Remain Twice as High as in 2009
Fatalities declined by 4 percent in 2024, but the U.S. is still nowhere close to ‘Vision Zero.’
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie