Known mostly for paving over everything in sight, the Georgia Department of Transportation has surprised its critics by spending $10 million to retrofit an interstate bridge into a mini-park connecting the Georgia Tech campus.
"Atlanta's newest park is planted in quite a place: 17 feet above Downtown Connector motorists. There is nothing else like it in the state, say Georgia Department of Transportation officials. The Fifth Street Bridge, officially finished today, has more than tripled in size as it spans I-75/I-85 downtown, giving the feel of a garden rather than a bridge, and adding no additional car lanes."
"Instead, a department that has often been accused of favoring road capacity over all other projects spent $10.3 million building the foundation for a sort of mini campus quad, connecting Georgia Tech's main campus to its new buildings at Technology Square, providing a new main entrance to the university, and serving the mixed-use revival that has exploded on the east side."
"It's not what DOT is used to building...Whether or not the look is replicated in other bridges is less certain. 'Anything we can do to get people walking and get them out of their cars, that's better for everybody,' said DOT chairman Mike Evans."
"But with transportation funding currently shrinking as congestion chokes Atlanta, he said, 'it would be a little difficult for me to start a project like that today, understanding what our financial constraints are.'"
FULL STORY: 5th St. Bridge: Green path over Connector

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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