Freeway Fighters Digest (week of 10/14)

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.

There are only a few weeks left to nominate a highway for the ninth biannual Freeways Without Futures report! For campaigns that have graduated from FWF nominee or have received Reconnecting Communities financing, please submit updates. All nominations and updates are due November 1.

Freeway Fighters News

Taking Up Locals’ Pleas, DOT Mulls Capping BQE to Connect Communities
Brownstoner October 11, 2024
City officials on Wednesday for the first time raised the possibility of capping portions of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway using federal dollars meant to bridge communities divided by urban highways.

NYC unveils proposals to turn dreary areas under the BQE into vibrant public spaces
6sqft October 11, 2024
Decrepit, drab spaces beneath the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway could soon be transformed into vibrant public areas.

Caltrans to open I-805 freeway ramps in Southcrest to pedestrians, bikes
KPBS October 11, 2024
Caltrans will be closing the 43rd Street on- and off-ramps to I-805 on Saturday, Oct. 12 to allow residents to experience the freeway on foot and bike.

Highway Robbery
Dissent Magazine October 11, 2024
In 1996, the state highway agencies of Kentucky and Indiana set out to build a new bridge over the Ohio River, adding more lanes to Interstate 65 where it leaves downtown Louisville. 

Feds Resolve Civil Rights Complaint Brought by Rural Black Alabama Community
Capital B News October 13, 2024
On a Sunday in early October, 16 people, mainly elders, met under Timothy Williams’ gazebo. 

How Much Does the President Influence Transportation Funding? 
Planetizen October 13, 2024
New research from the Urban Institute examines how much presidential administrations impact federal transportation funding — and it turns out the influence is significant. 

New videos show what I-5 freeway expansion over Columbia River would look like
BikePortland October 15, 2024
Flyover visualizations produced by the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program give us our best view yet on what the future of the I-5 freeway between Portland and Vancouver might look like after an estimated $7.5 billion investment. 

Red State, Red Tape: How to Fight for a Highway Teardown in Louisiana
Streetsblog USA October 15, 2024
Recently, I was asked how I remain steadfast in my fight against environmental racism.

Louisville’s Portland community is linked to the Ohio River. Can this study help bring them closer?
Louisville Public Media October 15, 2024
More than 200 years ago, Portland grew around shipping activity along the Ohio River.

Community group says Business Loop 70 study grant will ‘reinvigorate’ area 
ABC17NEWS October 16, 2024
The Columbia City Council last week approved an agreement to receive a $2.13 million grant from the US Department of Transportation.

Houston activists protest against I-45 reconstruction project as groundbreaking begins
KTSM 9 News October 17, 2024
This Wednesday, the Texas Department of Transportation will host its I-45 groundbreaking ceremony to present plans for reconstruction in the area.

I-45 expansion project kicks off with ceremonial groundbreaking amid continued protest
KHOU October 17, 2024
Shovels are now in the ground to symbolically mark the start of what is said to be a transformational construction project for I-45 in Houston.