The city will develop a plan to transform an unused streetcar deck on the Veterans Memorial Bridge into a connector for bikes and pedestrians as well as a welcoming public space.
The long-abandoned streetcar deck of Cleveland’s Detroit-Superior Bridge could see new life as a multi-use connector across the Cuyahoga River, writes Vince Guerrieri in Bloomberg CityLab. In its heyday in 1918, the bridge carried 80,000 Clevelanders by train every day.
The city (in partnership with the county and the state transportation department) received a $7 million USDOT grant to develop a proposal for the project. “The hope is that the dormant space can be not just an important access point across the river, but also a showpiece linear park — a ‘Low Line’ laden with art and attractions, in the spirit of New York City’s High Line.”
The renovation would require new public access and ADA accessibility measures. According to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, “This would make an incredible connector between east and west over the river, from downtown to Ohio City for bicyclists and pedestrians, and it would also make an interesting space to linger in as a park in the sky.”
The eastern end of the bridge stands above one end of the 100-mile Towpath Trail along the Ohio and Erie Canal. “The bridge can also connect to the Red Line Greenway, a walking and biking path built on former transit right-of-way, and from the bridge, you can see the site behind Tower City, where the real estate firm Bedrock has announced ambitious plans for a decades-long redevelopment.”
FULL STORY: In Cleveland, a Forgotten Streetcar Bridge Gets a Long-Awaited Lift
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Cleveland To Build First Protected Downtown Bike Lane
The city is taking steps to build out a more comprehensive bike lane network to connect downtown destinations.
California Adds Complete Streets to Transportation Funding Guidelines
The state transportation commission previously declined to include bike and pedestrian infrastructure in its updated funding guidelines, despite a new state law requiring Complete Streets efforts in all Caltrans projects.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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