Infrastructure

Two Sides Connect in World's Longest Tunnel Project

The two ends of the Gotthard Base Tunnel beneath the Swiss Alps are on the verge of connecting, marking a major milestone in the construction of what will be the world's longest transportation tunnel.

October 18, 2010 - The New York Times

America Faces Huge Bill for Crumbling Infrastructure

The demise of a 20-year plan to improve rail linkages between Manhattan and New Jersey is symptomatic of America's $2.2 trillion infrastructure deficit, writes Rupert Cornwell.

October 18, 2010 - Independent (UK)

Incredible Swiss Tunnel Completed

Giant robot "worms" have been tunneling towards each other through opposite sides of the Gottard Massif for years. On Friday, they finally met, completing the 19-mile tunnel.

October 17, 2010 - NPR

Designing Cities in an Age of Scarce Water

Freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce. Our cities will need to address these shortages with better design, according to author Steven Solomon.

October 16, 2010 - Grist

Talking Open Streets and Ciclovias

Next American City talks with urban designer and bicycle planner Mike Lydon about cycling, ciclovias, and open streets.

October 16, 2010 - Next American City

London's Bike Sharing Program Expects to Make Profit

London's 10-week old bike sharing program appears to be on its way to turning a profit, a rarity in the public transit world.

October 16, 2010 - Guardian

Japan's New 'Smart' City

The city Yokohama could be Japan's next exportable good. officials there want it to be a low-emissions "smart" city -- a model they hope to be able to convince other cities to replicate.

October 15, 2010 - San Francisco Chronicle

A New Plan for Chicago Fails to Stir Men's Blood

Blair Kamin looks at "Go to 2040", a new regional plan for the Chicago area that he says has few goals to get excited about and "reflects an era of scarce resources."

October 15, 2010 - The Chicago Tribune

The Future of Federal Transportation Planning in America

In this podcast, Next American City talks with Robert Puentes of the Brookings Institution about the future of transportation in America.

October 15, 2010 - Next American City

Obama Concedes Problems With "Shovel-Ready" Requirement

In an interview with the New York Times, President Obama admits that, quote, "there’s no such thing as shovel-ready projects."

October 14, 2010 - Transportation Nation

Obama's Infrastructure Plan Targets Roads, Railways and Runways

President Obama has announced plans to spend an additional $50 billion on the nation's infrastructure as a means of remaining competitive internationally and boosting employment.

October 14, 2010 - McClatchey Newspapers

Ped, Bike, & Bus: Transforming NYC Streets

This 6-minute video looks at how New York City streets have changed after a mere three years of planning. Pedestrian plazas, bike lanes, and bus rapid transit are the major projects highlighted, and the improvements to economy, health, and happiness

October 13, 2010 - Grist

Great Design Costs Money (And Is Worth It)

A new pedestrian bridge, recently opened near a BART station in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an example of why the high price of good design can sometimes be worth it.

October 12, 2010 - San Francisco Chronicle

Sky Trams to Reopen in New York

Aerial trams connecting New York City to Roosevelt Island are going to be back in operation next month. But will enough people want to ride these "sky bubbles" over the East River?

October 11, 2010 - The New York Times

What Europe Can Teach the U.S. about Infrastructure Banks

The European Investment Bank raised $80 billion for projects last year alone. Should the Obama’s proposed program adopt a similar model?

October 11, 2010 - Streetsblog

Gov. Christie Reverses ARC Decision: Rail Tunnel Back On Track

Under pressure from DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie has authorized the Hudson River rail tunnel project known as ARC: Access to the Region's Core, to resume work. Key to the decision would have been the loss of $3 billion to N.J.

October 11, 2010 - Lautenberg Press Office

ARC Cancellation Signals Larger Woes

Paul Krugman bemoans the death of the Access to the Region's Core project. He says it is symptomatic of a national resistance to address critical infrastructure and economic challenges.

October 9, 2010 - The New York Times

Downtown Dallas Breaks Freeways' Concrete Stranglehold

Dallas is hoping to break the ring of concrete created by the surrounding Central Expressway and Interstates 30 and 35.

October 8, 2010 - Dallas News

Cities of Light

Leni Schwendinger says that cities don't pay enough attention to the way lighting effects the built environment. She's currently working on the lighting for Times Square's new pedestrianized streets.

October 8, 2010 - ASLA's The Dirt blog

Largest Public Works Project in America Scrapped

New Jersey governor Chris Christie has cancelled a proposed $8.7 billion tunnel under the Hudson connecting his state with New York City.

October 8, 2010 - CNN

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.