Freeway Fighters Digest (week of 9/26)

Lauren MayerWeekly News Digest

Hi all,

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

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted nominations for the 2023 Freeways WIthout Futures report. With many urban highways reaching the end of their designed lifespan, it is time to repair the damage and channel the benefits unlocked by taking down an expressway to serve current community members. The call for nominations closes on Monday, October 3rd. Submit your nominations.

Freeway Fighters news

Why Knoxville’s new Equity Restoration Task Force backs an extensive walkway project
Knoxville News Sentinel September 24, 2022
A year after the African American Equity Restoration Task Force held its inaugural meeting, members have zeroed in on their first large federal grant as the group carries out its mission to seek $100 million to make amends for decades of urban removal that harmed Knoxville’s Black communities.

MnDOT to rebuild I-94 through Twin Cities—or not – Spokesman Recorder
Spokesman Recorder September 24, 2022
For decades, Interstate 94 has cleaved neighborhoods in Minneapolis and St. Paul in two, bringing with it pollution and destroying vibrant and prosperous communities along the way.

Denver regional transportation plan shifts focus away from solving highway congestion
The Denver Gazette September 26, 2022
More than $206 million in transportation funding in metro Denver is being allocated for “multimodal” projects – and away from highway widening and improvements.

Highway Expansion May Hinder Plans to Reconnect South Park | The Urbanist
The Urbanist September 27, 2022
Momentum has been building around Reconnect South Park, a community-led effort to address how SR 99 slices through the neighborhood located near the Duwamish River in southwest Seattle, separating residents from their own community center, library, and elementary school.

Akron will transform its decommissioned Innerbelt into a park, for one day – Ideastream
Ideastream September 27, 2022
Akronites will get to experience a new park this coming weekend on a portion of the decommissioned innerbelt.

“This is an Oklahoma issue”: Interim study scrutinizes OTA turnpike plan
KFOR September 28, 2022
Plans for Oklahoma Turnpike expansion continue to cause concern for many people across the state.

Turnpike Opposers Call On Lawmakers To Curtail Ota In Interim Study
News 9 September 28, 2022
Multiple Norman residents asked state lawmakers to dampen the powers of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority on Tuesday.  

Victory! Colorado Cancels Highway Expansion, Funds Transit Instead – CleanTechnica
CleanTechnica September 29, 2022
A plan to expand Interstate 25 through central Denver has officially been scrapped, and $100 million has instead been reallocated to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other investments in walking- and biking-friendly projects that support healthier, more vibrant communities. 

What killed public transport in the US? Investment Monitor – Railway Technology
Railway Technology September 29, 2022
In March 2022, the Minnesota legislature directed its auditor to review the Southwest Corridor light-rail project.