Opportunities abound for Houston to capitalize on otherwise unused space beneath its wide network of freeways.

With the numerous wide freeways throughout the City of Houston, it's becoming more apparent that the space beneath the many overpasses can, and should, be made multifunctional. In cities like Houston where space is limited, these spaces can be reimagined to provide shade, shelter from rain, and safe under-crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. Even adding simple interventions such as lighting or a splash of color to the environment can help make space underneath freeways more attractive and safer.
As Dug Begley explains in a Houston Chronicle article, public officials are engaging with communities to get a better understanding of how these spaces can best benefit the surrounding neighborhoods and residents. Options include parking, trails, vegetation, stormwater detention, and programmed park space.
The article highlights the importance of minimizing unused or wasted space. Communities within the U.S. and around the globe have already started repurposing beneath freeway spaces for a wide variety of uses including recreation, public art, and playgrounds. With a changing climate that is making summers increasingly hotter, these spaces represent prime opportunities to take advantage of already shaded areas. Engaging with communities to reimagine these spaces can also signify a step in building trust with the surrounding communities, some of which may have been disproportionately impacted by the presence of the freeways. Even with minimal intervention, programming, and maintenance, these under-crossings can show subtle “cues to care” that will increase the perception of safety and signify investment. Houston, as well as other communities strapped for space, should continue to take advantage of the many benefits and options that these unique places can provide.
FULL STORY: Houston has a ton of freeways. And a big opportunity to reimagine the space underneath them.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

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.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.

How Atlanta Built 7,000 Housing Units in 3 Years
The city’s comprehensive, neighborhood-focused housing strategy focuses on identifying properties and land that can be repurposed for housing and encouraging development in underserved neighborhoods.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service