Time for Alternative Approaches To Solving Traffic Problems

6 August 2004 - 7:00am

More roads contribute to sprawl. It's time to try alternative approaches to solve traffic problems.

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"Yet building more roads can exacerbate the problem, thanks to the phenomenon known as "induced demand" - otherwise known as the "Field of Dreams" effect: If you build it, they will come. A road that eases congestion can lower the cost (in time and frustration) of driving, inducing people to drive more. A new road invites development. And if the new road rings the outer perimeter of an urban area, it contributes to sprawl."

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 3, 2004