Freeway Fighters Digest (week of 3/21)

freewaycreativeWeekly News Digest

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.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for CNU 30.Oklahoma City! It was so great to see familiar faces and new faces at yesterday’s Freeway Fighters happy hour and it has been a fantastic experience to see all the ideas and energy you’re bringing to our transportation themed sessions, workshops, and more.

 

Highways to Boulevards news

Youth activists pull new politicians into fray in fight against ODOT – Bike Portland

Bike Portland March 19, 2022

It’s been a challenging several weeks for the Oregon Department of Transportation and their lofty freeway expansion goals.

 

Personal View: How DEI in infrastructure can upend racial inequities | Crain’s Cleveland Business

Crain’s Cleveland Business March 21, 2022

Over the past century, the United States (and other countries around the world) have designed and built some infrastructure projects that have harmed disadvantaged and impoverished populations.

 

Urban Highway Removal: 4 Considerations for Reknitting a City’s Fabric | Planetizen Features

Planetizen March 21, 2022

During this past year, our urban planners and architects have been rethinking our approach to almost everything.

 

Detroit Plans Freeway Removal To Spur Economic Development | Planetizen News

Planetizen March 21, 2022

A one-mile stretch of Interstate 375 in Detroit could become a “livable, walkable, rideable” boulevard that accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

 

Surface Highway Undermines Seattle’s Waterfront Park | The Urbanist

The Urbanist March 21, 2022

The Seattle Times editorial board recently published a take on the Seattle Waterfront, and, while the Blethen gang being wrong isn’t news, it’s also a great opportunity to talk about what actually makes a great street and public space.

 

What An Ideal Green New Deal for Transportation Might Look Like – Streetsblog USA

Streetsblog USA March 21, 2022

A truly green new deal must focus on reducing the amount Americans drive, a new report argues — and doing so will take an unprecedented portfolio of investments into sustainable modes.

A Brief But Spectacular take on bridging communities

PBS NewsHour March 21, 2022

Shawn Dunwoody is a local artist and activist born and raised in Rochester, New York. He shares Brief But Spectacular take on bridging communities for our arts and culture series, “CANVAS.”

 

Schumer visits Syracuse, says feds will OK I-81 project ‘within weeks’ | Politics | auburnpub.com

Auburn Citizen March 22, 2022

The long-awaited final approvals for the Interstate 81 project should come “within weeks,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in Syracuse on Monday.

 

Biden wants to spend infrastructure billions on climate and equity initiatives. But it’s not his call.

Politico March 22, 2022

Biden’s inability to control how a large portion of the infrastructure money gets spent is largely due to legal constraints.

 

I-81 replacement project could get the “green light” in a matter of weeks | WAER

WAER March 23, 2022

The final approval needed for the massive I-81 replacement project to move forward is apparently just weeks away.

 

LA Metro’s Proposed Budget Cuts Capital Spending on Transit, Speeds Freeway Expansions

Planetizen March 23, 2022

After repeatedly cutting transit service due to the pandemic and a labor shortage, L.A.’s transit agency plans to double down on freeway expansion projects.

 

People living along I-94 in Rondo debate: lid or rid? | MinnPost

MinnPost March 23, 2022

Residents whose front porches oversee the freeway agree something should be done. There’s not much agreement after that.

 

OP-ED: We have the funds – now let’s get real about ending car dependency | Mass Transit

Mass Transit March 23, 2022

The pandemic spurred communities across the nation to reimagine how to use public space for people instead of cars.

 

Massive I-81 re-route and rebuild project in Syracuse nears final approval | NCPR News

North Country Public Radio March 24, 2022

The long-awaited final approvals for the Interstate 81 project should come “within weeks,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in Syracuse on Monday.

 

U.S. 301 widening sparks north of Tampa provincial debate – Yahoo! Sports

Yahoo! Sports March 24, 2022

State transportation planners envision two-lane U.S. 301 from Fowler Avenue north into Pasco County as a divided highway.

 

‘No, no and hell no’: Norman residents rally at Oklahoma Capitol in turnpike protest – The Oklahoman

The Oklahoman March 24, 2022

Norman-area residents rally Wednesday against plans to expand a turnpike in Norman.

 

Norman City Council passes resolution rejecting proposed path for turnpike expansion | KOKH

KOKH March 24, 2022

The Norman City Council is taking a stand against the state’s turnpike expansion project.

Resource: Five myths about highways

Washington Post

Even if you use a car to get to work — as roughly 85 percent of American commuters did before the pandemic — you might harbor some misperceptions about the pavement you drive on.