Freeway Fighters Digest (week of 4/11)

Lauren MayerWeekly News Digest

Hi all,

Here is what is being said about the Highways to Boulevards movement this week. If you come across any articles, feel free to share and please let me know if you have any questions.

There was a bunch of great freeway fighting content this past week at YIMBYtown 2022, all of it live streamed. Check out the videos of: 

And don’t forget to join us for our April meetup, which will be Tuesday April 19th at 3pm ET.

Calendar invite: https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=ZDBmZzhvOGMzNm43cWo4cWZoaWszaThrMmsgYmNyb3d0aGVyQGNudS5vcmc&tmsrc=bcrowther%40cnu.org

Direct Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83970770809

 

Highways to Boulevards news

Brooklyn Center’s Hwy 252 Task Force asks for safest, equitable layout
Sun Post April 9, 2022
After obtaining documents from the Minnesota Department of Transportation on potential plans for Highway 252, the Brooklyn Center Highway 252 Safety Task Force recommended on March 28 that the City Council request a reconstruction project that prioritizes resident health and safety.

New York State will provide $1.1 billion for I-81 project | WSTM
CNY Central April 10, 2022
With New York State’s passing of the 2023 budget, Governor Kathy Hochul has a five-year, $32.8 billion plan for transportation and infrastructure projects which includes the I-81 project.

Governor Hochul Announces Record $32.8 Billion for Transportation Infrastructure as Part of …
Governor Kathy Hochul – NY.gov April 10, 2022
The Budget includes a new historic $32.8 billion, five-year capital plan for programs and proposed projects administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.

New York State to give $1.1B for I-81 project | WSYR – LocalSYR.com
LocalSYR.com April 10, 2022
Infrastructure has been a hot button topic across the country as well as here in Central New York.

New York commits $5 million for study to “reimagine” Interstate 787
Albany Business Review April 11, 2022
“We’re thrilled, as you can imagine,” said state Assembly member Pat Fahy, who has been working on the issue since she talked to a constituent about the future of the highway about 10 years ago.

Churchill: A step toward the end of 787 as we know it
Albany Times Union April 12, 2022
The words “feasibility study” are unlikely to make anybody giddy with anticipation, but one funded in the newly enacted state budget could promise a brighter future for Albany.

The Promise and Pitfalls of Tearing Down an Urban Freeway – Route Fifty
Route Fifty April 12, 2022
When Ben Crowther sees plans to tear down an interstate highway in downtown Detroit, he has both great hopes for the project and some serious reservations.

Freeway fighters trade tactics at ‘YIMBY’ housing forum – BikePortland
BikePortland April 13, 2022
At its current rate of growth, the freeway fighting industrial complex just might challenge the strength of the freeway industrial complex in the near future.

$5 million allocated in state budget for I-787 feasibility study
News 10 April 13, 2022
Whether you travel it every day or not at all, Interstate 787 is a main artery connecting people in Albany with its Hudson River neighbors.

Leaders Push I-5 Expansion in Nisqually Valley, But Climate Consequences Appear Dire
The Urbanist April 14, 2022
On Monday, Governor Jay Inslee boarded a small boat with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Marilyn Strickland to tour the mouth of the Nisqually River in Thurston County.

$32.8B plan to support major infrastructure projects across New York State – TheTrucker.com
TheTrucker.com April 15, 2022
A new budget includes a $32.8 billion, five-year capital plan for programs and proposed projects administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.

Northern Virginia highway plans would fuel a massive increase in driving
Greater Greater Washington April 15, 2022
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) will make multi-billion dollar decisions this year on the region’s transportation future — updating both their long-range TransAction plan and their 6-year construction plan.

Report: Northern Virginia Transportation Plans Will Induce More Driving | Planetizen News
Planetizen April 15, 2022
An analysis of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s long-range plans predicts an increase in driving thanks to the agency’s road expansion plans.

In Louisiana, a Lafayette Neighborhood Warily Eyes New Highway – The New York Times
The New York Times April 15, 2022
Residents of Lafayette are wary of a project that has dragged on for decades, but they believe that their community — where vehicles hit buildings and pedestrians — has few options.

I-81 removal in Syracuse: NY transportation officials answered your questions, see report
Syracuse.com April 15, 2022
The New York State Department of Transportation has answered about 8,000 comments about their proposed rebuild of Interstate 81 in Syracuse.

Federal Highway Administration approves of State DOT’s I-81 replacement plan, releases …
LocalSYR.com April 15, 2022
The Federal Highway Administration and State Department of Transportation will publish the FEIS (final environmental impact statement) for the I-81 project Friday, but NewsChannel 9 has obtained a copy released Thursday.