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.
The links to apply to the 2024 Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program have opened through Valid Eval. Applications are separated into two types – planning and construction. As a reminder, the application window closes September 30, 2024.
*Tech issues delayed this edition but you can expect the FFN Digest back in your inboxes on Thursday*
Freeway Fighters News
At a Critical Point for the I-5 Rose Quarter Plan, ODOT Critics Urge Feds Against
Portland Mercury July 26, 2024
In May, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) submitted an application for a $750 million U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) INFRA grant that could make or break its plans to expand I-5 through Portland’s Rose Quarter.
After two decades of studies and a federal investigation, construction on the I-45 expansion
Houston Public Media July 26, 2024
At the start of a federally mandated community engagement meeting about the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, there were more TxDOT workers and consultants — about 70 total — than residents.
Akron Innerbelt project has national interest. But more community input is key, city says
Akron Beacon Journal July 27, 2024
Urban design consultant firms and sub-consultants from around the U.S. converged at Akron’s House Three Thirty Thursday night to share their qualifications and ideas for revitalizing the decommissioned section of the Akron Innerbelt.
Citing climate change, a federal court in Brazil halts rainforest highway paving
KTLA July 27, 2024
In an unusual action, a Brazilian federal court halted progress on a project to pave a dirt highway that connects the major city of Manaus to populous regions, ruling it likely will contribute to climate change.
Why are highways so big in America? The climate lie behind reducing traffic
Vox July 29, 2024
From Massachusetts to California, transportation departments are pursuing controversial plans to widen highways, expansions that are sure to compel more people to drive, thus increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Portland Advocates Call on Feds to Oppose Freeway Expansion
Planetizen July 30, 2024
Environmental and sustainable transportation advocates in Portland, Oregon are urging federal officials to oppose a proposed expansion of the Interstate 5 freeway through the city’s Rose Quarter.
Doubt cast on Maine highway expansion’s climate benefits
The Maine Monitor July 31, 2024
Climate and clean transportation advocates are calling into question a claim by Maine officials that a new toll road proposed outside Portland will reduce carbon emissions by alleviating gridlock.
Maine Mobility Advocates Question Highway Expansion
Planetizen August 1, 2024
Maine transportation advocates are calling on state officials to reject a highway expansion proposal that state transportation officials claim would reduce carbon emissions, reports Annie Ropeik for Energy News.
Trump, Harris offer starkly different paths on transportation policy
Route Fifty August 1, 2024
Whoever sits in the White House come January will have a profound impact on the country’s transportation policy, even if that’s not the top issue on the campaign trail these days.
Akron residents discuss life before the Innerbelt, what they’d like to see come next
Akron Beacon Journal August 1, 2024
Malcolm Costa grew up on Akron’s west side, spending Saturdays at his father’s barbershop, frequenting businesses such as Rockefeller Bakery and attending West Junior High School.
Metro vote ushers in first phase of I-5 cap to reconnect historic Portland neighborhood
KOIN 6 August 2, 2024
A key vote from Metro Council has greenlit the usage of a major federal grant to be used by the Oregon Department of Transportation’s I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project in Portland.
Created Equal: What will the future hold for I-375 in Detroit?
WDET 101.9 FM August 3, 2024
The I-375 Reconnecting Communities project is an attempt to repair the wrongs that were done when construction of the freeway began in 1954.
Interactive map shows Milwaukee with I-794 replacement
The Daily Reporter August 3, 2024
A new interactive map will show the public what a mile stretch of downtown Milwaukee could look like without an existing freeway spur.