Freeway Expansion

Aerial of I-10 freeway interchange in Houston, Texas.

Induced demand is real: Commutes on Houston's 26-lane freeway take 51% longer after expansion

A massive freeway expansion only led to longer drive times, showing that building more lanes won't solve congestion.

August 3, 2026 - Space Daily

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9, 2025 - Streetsblog San Francisco

View of blurred traffic lights on Interstate 5 freeway heading into Portland, Oregon at night.

USDOT Denies Portland Freeway Expansion Grant

The agency declined the Oregon Department of Transportation’s request for $750 million to fund the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project.

October 29, 2024 - Roads & Bridges

View of light traffic on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Minneapolis Leaders Urge State DOT to Rethink Highway Expansion Plans

Current MnDOT plans call for widening Interstate 94, but city leaders from Minneapolis and St. Paul want to see more space for public transit, walking, and biking.

September 25, 2024 - Sahan Journal

Interstate 94 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Environmental Groups Sue to Stop Freeway Expansion

Groups including the Sierra Club say the expansion of I-94 would negatively impact communities of color and increase flood risks.

August 21, 2024 - Fox 6 Milwaukee

Diagram of proposed Interstate 5 improvement project in Portland, Oregon showing new freeway cap and pedestrian and bicycle bridge.

Portland Advocates Call on Feds to Oppose Freeway Expansion

The Oregon DOT is requesting a federal grant to fund a controversial freeway expansion through the Rose Quarter.

July 29, 2024 - The Portland Mercury

Aerial view of Interstate 35 bridge over river into downtown Austin, Texas with skyline in background

Austin Seeks Federal Grants for Freeway Caps as I-35 Expansion Plan Moves Forward

With TxDOT unwilling to cancel a controversial freeway expansion project, the city is looking for funding to mitigate the projected impacts.

May 1, 2024 - KXAN

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22, 2024 - Streetsblog LA

Aerial view of Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with freeway interchanges in foreground at night.

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.

March 28, 2024 - Spectrum News 1

Freeway on-ramp sign for Interstate 15 in California.

California Commission Approves Freeway Expansion

The state Transportation Commission ultimately voted to move a controversial Inland Empire interstate project forward.

February 6, 2024 - Streetsblog California

View of traffic on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas.

Austin Freeway Expansion Fight Continues

Opponents of the project have filed another lawsuit in hopes of halting the widening of Interstate 35.

February 1, 2024 - KUT

Close-up of green Interstate 5 freeway sign pointing to Redding and Sacramento.

Caltrans Forges Ahead With Freeway Widening Proposal

Despite the state’s commitments to reducing driving and roadway expansions, Caltrans is proposing an expansion of Interstate 5 in far northern California.

November 14, 2023 - Streetsblog California

Close-up on map of Toledo, Ohio.

Wielding Data to Fight Freeway Expansions in Toledo

A group of resident advocates is challenging the Ohio Department of Transportation’s arguments in favor of a proposed interstate widening.

October 25, 2023 - Strong Towns

View of Interstate 205 bridge over Columbia River with Mt. Hood in background.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project

The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

September 19, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of freeway interchange in downtown Las Vegas

Las Vegas Residents Push Back on Freeway Expansion

A state plan to widen an interstate that cuts through downtown Las Vegas would displace hundreds of homes and businesses.

September 7, 2023 - Nevada Current

Aerial view of five-level freeway interchange in Houston, Texas with bridges spanning green bayou.

Texas Approves $100 Billion Road Building Plan

The state is making a record investment in expanding and maintaining roads and highways, including an expansion of Interstate 10 and new managed lanes in Houston.

August 17, 2023 - Houston Chronicle

Traffic and green freeway signs with Santa Monica and LAX destinations on Interstate 405 in Los Angeles, California

L.A. Metro Pushes for More Freeway Expansion Funds

After the last expansion project, traffic on I-405 only got worse. Metro wants to try again.

June 16, 2023 - Streetsblog LA

Dallas Freeways

Federal Infrastructure Dollars Funding Road Expansions

Far from kickstarting a transformative change in transportation policy, the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law continues to fund traditional road-building projects.

June 9, 2023 - Climatewire

Blue and white Interstate 15 North sign against backdrop of blue sky and snow-capped mountains in Utah

Utah DOT Plans to Expand Interstate Despite Local Concerns

With more evidence pointing to the futility of expanding freeways, the state could take a creative approach to improving travel times and providing additional transportation options.

May 31, 2023 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Historic Deep Ellum street sign, Dallas, Texas

Dallas City Council to Vote on Controversial Freeway Trenching Plan

A proposal to bury part of Interstate 345 in a 65-foot trench is the latest in a debate that has lasted more than ten years as the freeway reaches the end of its useful life.

May 16, 2023 - D Magazine

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.

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Transportation Planner I

KFH Group Inc.

Director, Strategy and Research

Greater Baltimore Committee

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