Infrastructure
Deadly Highway Guardrail Design Questioned
After five deaths, several states have stopped installing FHWA-approved guardrails which have been said "to turn into spears" when hit by vehicles. An Oct. 20 jury verdict awarded $175 million to a whistleblower to be paid by the rail manufacturer.
$5.4 Billion Freeway Plan Would Tunnel Under South Pasadena
One of Southern California's most controversial and (some would say) critical projects is on the radar again—the 710 extension through South Pasadena. Transportation officials are working on a tunnel plan, expected for public comment in February.
Ohio DOT Looking to the Public for Answers
The Ohio Department of Transportation is looking for feedback from the public on how best to expand services to meet growing demand despite an ongoing shortage of funding.
Progress for Cook County's Long Range Transportation Plan; Funding Questions Remain
Chicago's home county this year launched its first transportation since 1940. Initial outreach efforts have produced a draft vision statement and four planning scenarios.
The New Traffic Forecast: Modest Growth, then Decline
Clark Williams-Derry shares news of what he calls "far and away the most responsible official traffic forecast I’ve seen from any government agency, ever."
Calling on Urban Designers to Lead the Fight Against Climate Change
Alan G. Brake writes an editorial calling on the architecture and urbanism fields to push even further to reduce carbon emissions by designing (and upgrading) efficient buildings.
Obituary: William J. Ronan, Founder of New York's MTA
One of the most important officials in New York State transportation history died Oct. 15: William J. Ronan, who took on Robert Moses to form the country's largest, most diversified transportation agency, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Intersection Designs that Prioritize Pedestrian Safety
Following the idea that pedestrian safety takes its cues from planners, Rachel Dovey's article on pedestrian safety lists six intersection designs that "actually prioritize pedestrians."
Transform's New GreenTrip Parking Database
A new database from the Oakland-based Transform group maps and tracks unused parking spaces in multifamily housing developments.
No Shortage of Investors Lining Up to Operate Bankrupt Toll Road
Many were surprised when the Indiana Toll Road's operator declared bankruptcy on September 22. Just as surprising may be all the interest by global investors in bidding to replace the bankrupt Australian-Spanish consortium as the new operator.
Report: Expect Regular Coastal Floods Within 15 Years
Climate change and rising seas will mean higher flood risks for cities. But when exactly will impactful flooding become a regular occurrence? New analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists says that time is fast approaching.
How D.C.'s 11th Street Bridge Will Transform Infrastructure into Civic Space
Across the US, cities increasingly view waterfronts as opportunities for green space. Once tied to industrial uses, river fronts now offer a chance to repurpose existing infrastructure for public use.
Underfunded, Deadly Road Infrastructure in Texas
Bloomberg News investigates a rash of road deaths in the Midland-Odessa region, attributing the fatalities to underfunded road infrastructure, increased population, and truck traffic. A November ballot measure may provide some relief.
D.C.'s New Metro Line Already Influencing the Suburbs
The Silver Line opened two and a half months ago. Already, with strong ridership in both directions, some businesses are seeing new opportunities.
Cincinnati's First Cycle Track Overcame Controversy, Now Open for Bikers
The Central Parkway Cycle Track is open in Cincinnati, having overcome the controversies that almost led to the project's demise.
An Ancient, Neighborhood-Based Technology could Heat Vancouver
A system similar to that which heated Roman baths could become a key cog in the future of heating in Vancouver, British Columbia.
What Next for 'Rebuild By Design'?
The Rebuild By Design competition attracted plenty of hoopla thanks to its $920 million and the critical need for projects that protect coastal cities as sea levels rise. Now that the winners have been picked, how will they deliver on their promise?
Philadelphia Studying Reuse of Defunct Underground Rail Line
Ryan Briggs reports on the planning study bringing new hope to efforts to activate or repurpose the "City Branch," a dormant subterranean rail line in Philadelphia.
Progress for San Francisco's Ambitious Bike Plans
Ariel Rosenstock updates San Francisco's progress in implementing the vision set forth by the 2009 San Francisco Bicycle Plan.
New York Department of City Planning Releases Flood Retrofitting Manual
As federal law shifts to address resilience in post-Hurricane Sandy New York, the Department of City Planning has released a new manual to help residents and landowners understand options for retrofitting their buildings to prepare for floods.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
