The 10-lane Kennedy Expressway in Chicago is forced to manage significantly more traffic than it was designed to handle. Traffic planners have installed a flexible lane that can increase the flow in one direction, but Chicagoans are baffled by them.
Columnist Jon Hilkevitch talks to locals who see no rhyme or reason for when the switching happens:
"To many drivers, it's a mystery why the two express lanes are open in one direction much of the time while traffic in the same direction on the four local lanes is running smoothly, yet traffic in the opposite direction is like a parking lot."
Hilkevitch sought out the answer:
"The decision to switch the reversibles to favor inbound or outbound traffic is based on traffic volumes and travel times, but about 80 percent of the time higher traffic volumes are the deciding factor, officials said."
FULL STORY: Drivers frustrated by Kennedy express lanes
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Milwaukee Interstate Removal Would Create Space for Thousands of New Housing Units
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Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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