Infrastructure

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

Close-up of lead water pipe with mineral crusts

An Equity Approach to Lead Pipe Replacement

A former Chicago health commissioner calls on governments to prioritize the most marginalized and historically disinvested communities when distributing funding to replace lead pipes, which have taken the highest toll on the health of disadvantaged c

May 31, 2023 - Governing

Benches along lit paved bike trail adjacent to freeway overpass in Albany, New York

Albany Freeway Ramp Reimagined as Park, Trail

An underused freeway exit ramp is now an inviting linear park that connects the city to the Hudson River.

May 31, 2023 - Public Square

Traffic on the 405 interstate freeway through the Sepulveda Pass at Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California

Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.

The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.

May 30, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Nighttime view of U.S. Capitol and blurred traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue

D.C. Residents Fight Light Pollution

New LED lighting has raised concerns about the health and environmental impacts of excessive or harsh lighting.

May 30, 2023 - Route Fifty

View of Colorado River from top of Hoover Dam with concrete column on left

The New Colorado River Deal: An Explainer

According to one analyst, the agreement approved by the states doesn’t go nearly far enough to protect the river in the long term.

May 28, 2023 - The Land Desk

Wind turbines sillhouetted against a sunset sky along roadway in New Mexico

New Power Transmission Line Approved in the Southwest

The proposed transmission line will transfer wind-produced power from New Mexico to cities in Arizona and California.

May 26, 2023 - U.S. News And World Report

Aerial view of 238 freeway in Oakland, California cutting through neighborhood with small houses

The Limitations of ‘Reconnecting Communities’

The Biden administration has pledged to correct the damage imposed on communities by highways and infrastructure, but many projects are only committing to minor improvements, not transformative changes.

May 26, 2023 - The New York Times

Bike land and pedestrian lane marked with white paint on grey asphalt

The Best New Complete Streets Policies, Ranked

After a pandemic hiatus, Smart Growth America has resumed creating an annual list of cities that are making the strongest commitments to improving street safety and making roads accessible and comfortable for everyone.

May 25, 2023 - Governing

View of Queensboro Bridge entering Midtown Manhattan

Queensboro Bridge Bike Lane Delayed Again

A project that would give pedestrians their own dedicated path on the crowded bridge has been pushed back to at least the summer of 2024.

May 25, 2023 - StreetsBlog NYC

Dos Amigos pumping plant on the California aqueduct in Los Banos, California

California Governor's Proposal Would Streamline Infrastructure Projects

Governor Newsom hopes his proposed changes to state laws would help speed up infrastructure projects before federal funding is put in jeopardy.

May 24, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Striped crosswalk with yellow pedestrian crossing signs and grassy pedestrian island in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Launches ‘Safety Surge’ Traffic Calming Initiative

The new program targets neighborhood streets for safety improvements such as speed humps and intersection redesigns.

May 24, 2023 - Streetsblog Mass

Road sign with EXTREME HEAT ALERT surrounded by orange traffic cones

How Hot is Too Hot?

While they may not sound extreme, temperatures over 90 degrees can easily pose fatal risks and could have long-term impacts on public health.

May 23, 2023 - High Country News

People on bikes in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

FHWA Issues New Pedestrian, Bike, Micromobility Guidance

The updated federal guidelines incorporate new policies created in the 2021 infrastructure law.

May 22, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Mother and child on bicycles riding on green dedicated bike lane

Essay: How Poor Pedestrian Planning Harms Families

A lack of safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure can drive young families away from places that don’t accommodate car-free residents.

May 22, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Blue sign with white gas pump symbol with electric plug and "EV"

Plan for U.S.-Canada EV Corridor Announced

U.S. and Canadian officials revealed plans for an electric vehicle charging network that will connect Kalamazoo and Quebec City with EV chargers every 50 miles.

May 19, 2023 - Detroit Free Press

Otay Mesa Port of Entry building at U.S.-Mexico border

San Diego Region Plans for Rail Expansion, New Border Crossing, More Bike Lanes

The budget proposed by the San Diego Association of Governments focuses on a new port of entry, expansion of the regional bikeway system, and mitigating coastal erosion.

May 18, 2023 - San Diego Union-Tribune

Wide asphalt road with "North Route 1" sign

Virginia DOT To Reduce Speed Limit on Richmond Highway

The Alexandria-to-Mount Vernon corridor has one of the highest crash rates on the roadway.

May 18, 2023 - Greater Alexandria Patch

Freeway toll booth with "Stop" and "Pay Toll" signs

Houston Tollway Could Get Transit Options

Officials will assess multiple options for increasing capacity on a key route between downtown Houston and southwestern communities.

May 17, 2023 - Houston Chronicle

Rendering of pedestrian and bike bridge over multilane road

Seattle Area to Get Three New Pedestrian Bridges

Three major connection projects are slated to open in the next year, bringing a comprehensive regional bikeway network one step closer to reality.

May 16, 2023 - The Urbanist

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.