Transportation

Outdated State and Federal Road Design Rules Hinder Freeway Removal
Although some cities are in favor of removing or reducing urban freeways in favor of more walkable spaces, guidelines like the 11-year-old MUTCD still encourage a 'throughput at all costs' mentality.

Three New Programs to Increase Transit Ridership in the Twin Cities
With peak hour commuter travel not expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, Metro Transit is getting creative in its efforts to attract new riders.

Sales Tax Could Fully Fund Cincinnati Viaduct
One of Southwest Ohio's most urgent infrastructure projects would move forward if the SORTA board approves a recent proposal to allocate Issue 7 funding to the replacement plan for the Western Hills Viaduct.

MAX Red Line Extension Wins Federal Funding in Portland
The "A Better Red" project won the federal funding it needed from the federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants program.

Seattle Freeway Lid Expected by 2030
When complete, the SR 520 Montlake Project will reorganize the street grid to provide new connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Most Unsafe Road in Ohio: A Five-Mile Stretch of Interstate in Columbus
Traffic safety analysis inspires debate about the culprit (drivers or engineers?) on the least safe stretch of road in the Buckeye State.

City of London Could Set Speed Limits at 15 MPH
The City of London (not to be confused with the larger area of Greater London) will consider a plan to reduce speed limits throughout the "Square Mile" that outlines its boundaries.

D.C. Considers Centering Equity in Transportation and Land Use Planning Decisions
A plan to prioritize equity would, according to regional planners, increase access to jobs and resources, reduce emissions, and improve public health.

Student-Designed Cool Sidewalk Could Reduce 'Urban Heat Island' Effect
Researchers at the University of New Mexico created a sidewalk design using materials that would reduce heat absorption and require fewer materials than traditional concrete sidewalks.

Northgate Link Extension—Opening This Weekend—Expected to Transform Seattle in More Ways Than One
The long awaited Northgate Link Extension, which will connect rapidly changing neighborhoods in North Seattle to downtown in 14 minutes, will open to the public on Saturday, October 2.

'Quality of Life' Award for Utah Freeway Widening Prompts Criticism, Debate
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently announced that the Utah Department of Transportation had won the "Quality of Life/Community Development" award. A social media pile on commenced.

Opinion: Car-Centric Cities Hurt Kids
Designing neighborhoods with children in mind could reduce traffic fatalities and improve the health and well-being of kids.

Chicago Dismantles Leland 'Slow Street' Three Months Early
Citing neighborhood concerns, the city is ending the Slow Street program on Leland Street as more parks and beaches reopen, but advocates want to see more permanent traffic calming measures.

New Long-Range Transit Plan Adopted for Pittsburgh Area
A long list of transit projects is included in the NEXTransit long-range plan approved recently by the Port Authority of Allegheny County.

California Set to Decriminalize Jaywalking
Pedestrian and civil rights advocates have long argued that jaywalking laws are overly punitive and unequally enforced.

Pedestrian Malls in the 21st Century
The successes and failures of past pedestrian malls can inform the future of pandemic-induced "open streets" programs.

Bill Legalizing the Idaho Stop in California Waits for Governor's Signature
The Idaho Stop—allowing people on bikes to treat stop signs in empty intersections as yield signs—is gaining popularity around the country. Next (not quite) stop: California.

Open Letter to D.C. Mayor Calls for End to Traffic Violence
After a driver fatally struck a toddler, D.C.-area pedestrian and cycling advocates ask the District to take stronger action to prevent traffic fatalities.

Sound Transit To Receive $3.84 Billion in Federal Loans
The funding will support the financing of six projects, including the Downtown Redmond Link Extension.

Transit Goes Fare-Free for One Year in Albuquerque
Albuquerque will become one of the largest cities in the nation to launch a fare-free pilot program for transit riders.
Pagination
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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