Infrastructure

Rendering of California high-speed rail train viaduct with arches

Tracking U.S. ‘Higher-Speed’ Rail Progress

Five projects are moving the United States forward on so-called “higher-speed” rail.

September 5, 2023 - The Washington Post

A map of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system.

New Jersey Transit Extension Goes Back to the Drawing Board After Federal Reversal

The Federal Transit Administration rescinded a clearance it granted in 2007, and a planned extension of New Jersey light rail line will suffer the consequences.

September 5, 2023 - NorthJersey.com

SEPTA Bus

The Bus Revolution Has Been Revised in Philadelphia

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority went back to the drawing board with its Bus Revolution system redesign after an initial round of feedback completed earlier this year.

September 4, 2023 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Construction in progress on the Gordie Howe International Bridge above the Detroit River.

New International Bridge Rising Over the Detroit River

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is under construction, towering over the Detroit River at a height of 772 feet on the U.S. side of the river.

September 3, 2023 - Urbanize Detroit

Los Angeles Sunset

The Importance of Accessible Trails

Not all trails are accessible to those with limited mobility. This article highlights eight trails and nature walks in Southern California that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.

September 1, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Arlington to D.C.

Virginia Passenger Rail Sets Ridership Records, Seeks More Wins

Virginia’s commitment to intercity rail is paying off in record ridership numbers, but more work will be necessary to achieve the state’s ambitions for passenger rail.

September 1, 2023 - The Washington Post

West Palm Beach, Florida

Brightline Opening to Central Florida Delayed

The high-speed rail connection between West Palm Beach and Orlando will not open on time for the holiday weekend as originally planned.

August 30, 2023 - Railway Technology

The TTC logo is visible on a sign with the high-rises of Toronto in the background.

Toronto Shutters the Scarborough Rapid Transit Line Months Early

A 6.4-kilometer, six-station transit line was decommissioned early in Toronto, before a planned bus rapid transit route could be be put in place.

August 29, 2023 - Canadian Press via Toronto Star

A dirt road turns int he foreground while Half Dome looms majestically in the background.

$3.1 Billion for California Transportation Infrastructure

Federal and state funds were recently awarded to a large number of road projects around California.

August 27, 2023 - CalTrans

An aerial view of Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny

The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.

August 27, 2023 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

White and red Caltrain commuter train

Rail Electrification: Caltrain adds BEMUs to its EMU Order

Caltrain, the San Francisco-to-San Jose commuter railroad, plans to begin electrified operation next year on its 49-mile mainline. A 28-mile extension south to Gilroy would continue to be served by diesel trains, with one train powered by battery.

August 24, 2023 - San Mateo Daily Journal

Aerial view of Tempe, Arizona with mountains in background

‘Tempe Tomorrow’ Plans for Expected Population Growth

Tempe planners are preparing a General Plan update scheduled for voter approval in March 2024.

August 24, 2023 - Daily Independent

Aerial view of Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Sheboygan Developing Complete Streets Plan

Local efforts kickstarted by a federal grant are culminating in a Vision Zero plan.

August 24, 2023 - Sheboygan Press

A map of a planned high-speed rail connecting Portland to Seattle and Vancouver.

Cascadia High-Speed Rail Corridor Seeking Federal Funding

The state of Washington is hoping federal infrastructure funding can pay for $198 million of the $348 million necessary to plan the Cascadia High-Speed Rail project.

August 23, 2023 - The Seattle Times

Highway Widening

Maryland Highway Widening Plans Moving Forward Under New Governor

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is differentiating his new administration from his predecessor’s, but some projects, like the widening of federal highways in the Capital Beltway, stay the same.

August 23, 2023 - The Washington Post

Natural gas power plant with two tall smokestacks against blue and purple sunset sky

Energy Reliability Vs. the Environment

A controversial but unanimous vote by California officials last week to keep three older, coastal natural gas power plants operating beyond their termination dates shows that environmental protection takes a back seat to keeping the lights on.

August 22, 2023 - Politico

Collapsed road on coastal cliff in California

Lessons in ‘Planned Relocation’

How communities can manage climate-induced relocation successfully and equitably.

August 22, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

A pregnant woman holds hand with a man in an urban setting.

Walkable Neighborhoods Connected to Healthier Pregnancies, Births

More evidence of the public health benefits of walkable neighborhoods.

August 22, 2023 - University of New Hampshire

An electric vehicle is plugged into a charging station. A sticker reads “charge America” on the station.

Texas Planning a Statewide Electric Vehicle Charging Network

The Texas Department of Transportation has a plan to leverage federal infrastructure funding for electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state.

August 21, 2023 - MRT

A cross section of a street, showing where car lanes and parking would be positioned relative to a bus only lane and sidewalks.

New Bus Only Lane Overcomes Opposition in San Francisco

Local business owners and the local elected official opposed the Geary transit-only lane project, but compromise and wide public support got the project across the finish line.

August 21, 2023 - The San Francisco Standard

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.