The city will develop a plan to transform an unused streetcar deck on the Veterans Memorial Bridge into a connector for bikes and pedestrians as well as a welcoming public space.
The long-abandoned streetcar deck of Cleveland’s Detroit-Superior Bridge could see new life as a multi-use connector across the Cuyahoga River, writes Vince Guerrieri in Bloomberg CityLab. In its heyday in 1918, the bridge carried 80,000 Clevelanders by train every day.
The city (in partnership with the county and the state transportation department) received a $7 million USDOT grant to develop a proposal for the project. “The hope is that the dormant space can be not just an important access point across the river, but also a showpiece linear park — a ‘Low Line’ laden with art and attractions, in the spirit of New York City’s High Line.”
The renovation would require new public access and ADA accessibility measures. According to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, “This would make an incredible connector between east and west over the river, from downtown to Ohio City for bicyclists and pedestrians, and it would also make an interesting space to linger in as a park in the sky.”
The eastern end of the bridge stands above one end of the 100-mile Towpath Trail along the Ohio and Erie Canal. “The bridge can also connect to the Red Line Greenway, a walking and biking path built on former transit right-of-way, and from the bridge, you can see the site behind Tower City, where the real estate firm Bedrock has announced ambitious plans for a decades-long redevelopment.”
FULL STORY: In Cleveland, a Forgotten Streetcar Bridge Gets a Long-Awaited Lift
Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
Proposed Bill Would Direct Funds to Road Safety
The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act was spurred by the death of a U.S. diplomat who was killed on her bicycle.
USDOT Could Pull Green Infrastructure Grants
A new department memo requires a review of projects with the goal of removing bike, pedestrian, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
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.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
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.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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