Road Widening

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

Aerial view of five-level freeway interchange in Houston, Texas with bridges spanning green bayou.

Texas Approves $100 Billion Road Building Plan

The state is making a record investment in expanding and maintaining roads and highways, including an expansion of Interstate 10 and new managed lanes in Houston.

August 17, 2023 - Houston Chronicle

Vintage filtered photo of Interstate 405 North and South sign

Toll Lane Rebellion Fails to Materialize in Southern California

The 405 Express Lanes will open in Orange County later this year despite the warnings from a former Huntington Beach mayor of a resident-led rebellion in response to road pricing. But will the toll lanes mitigate congestion? Academics weigh in.

July 25, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Yellow on black "Expect Delays" traffic sign

A Serious Critique of Congestion Costs and Induced Vehicle Travel Impacts

Some highway advocates continue to claim that roadway expansions are justified to reduce traffic congestion. That's not what the research shows. It's time to stop obsessing over congestion and instead strive for efficient accessibility.

March 14, 2023 - Todd Litman

A two-lane highway cuts through a small canyon. The photo is taken from the perspective of a vehicle on the road.

Rhode Island Funding Highway Expansion Despite Poor Road Conditions

In a Strong Towns article passionately argued by Charles Marohn, Rhode Island’s penchant for building new highway capacity while the rest of the state’s roads crumble is compared to Emperor Nero.

August 16, 2022 - Strong Towns

San Fernando Valley

What Is Induced Demand?

“If you build it, they will come.”

June 6, 2022 - Diana Ionescu

Interstate 5 in Shoreline, WA

Shoreline Plans for Road Expansion

Added traffic lanes, new roundabouts, and limited bike facilities are coming to N 145th Street.

March 14, 2022 - The Seattle Medium

Miami Traffic Jam

When Will We Believe in Induced Demand?

The well-documented concept has yet to catch on in state departments of transportation, but acknowledging it could dramatically transform U.S. transportation policy.

March 3, 2022 - Governing

San Diego Trolley

San Diego Continues to Widen Roads Despite Pledge to Reduce Car Dependence

Transit advocates say that outdated road widening plans contradict the city's Climate Action Plan.

September 14, 2021 - KPBS

Pennsylvania

Opinion: Philly's Regional Transit Needs More Funding

The region's planning commission is pouring billions into highway widening projects while neglecting its public transit needs.

September 2, 2021 - WHYY

Virginia

Road Widening Plans Criticized in Fairfax County Virginia

The car-centric status quo is continuing unabated even as Fairfax County commits to more urban thinking on transportation and land use planning.

June 8, 2020 - Greater Greater Washington

Denver, Colorado

Plan for Expanded Road Inconsistent With Denver's Values

The idea of road improvement catering only to cars and congestion didn't pass muster on Quebec Street in Denver. A new plan for the heavily used, but narrow, corridor will prioritize pedestrians, safety, and transit.

December 26, 2019 - Denverite

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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.