Chicago's Kennedy Expressway to the O'Hare Airport is getting a $22.9 million lane expansion, some active transit and public transit advocates question the wisdom of that investment.
Construction is underway to expand Chicago's Kennedy Expressway, which stretches between the city's center and O'Hare International Airport. The additional room would be added to the area where the I-90 and I-94 merge. The plans has, so far, received mixed reviews. While some claim the additional room will shrink travel times and make the interchange safer, others say that the added space will just increase the volume of traffic on the highway, leading to more accidents. In his DNA Info story Alex Nitkin explains, "A chorus of public transportation advocates is warning that the new lanes could just attract more traffic in the long run, opening the door to even more fender benders — or worse."
Nitkin also spoke with Gianna Urgo, a Chicago transportation representative, who said, "Adding the new lanes would give cars more room and time to merge… That would potentially alleviate travel times throughout the region and have safety implications as well.'" The fear is that those implication would actually be negative.
The Kennedy Expressway might not be the only highway in the Chicago area to get an expansion. There's also been talk of expanding the I-55. A plan that's drawn a lot of the same criticisms.
FULL STORY: Will New Kennedy Lanes Ease Traffic, Or Just Invite More Cars?
Chicago Transit Recovery Trails Behind Other Major US Cities
Sluggish ridership rates and staffing shortages are dampening recovery. Looming budget gaps could make things even worse.
Op-Ed: Metra Expansion May Encourage Sprawl
The $45 billion transportation bill approved by the Illinois Legislature ended up including more public transit funding than it originally offered, but a Kendall County Metra project raises questions.
Ventra-Divvy Integration in the Works, Says Transportation Commissioner
Chicago's cashless transit payment system (Ventra) could pay for Divvy Bike rentals in the city according to city officials.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.
Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations
Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.
DC Extends Application Window for Outdoor Dining Permits
District restaurants will have until the end of November to apply, but businesses with permits in rush hour parking lanes must end operations on July 31.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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