After reading this recent opinion piece by Bill Fulton, some pro-transit and anti-highway advocates might be thinking, "Et tu, Bill Fulton?"
A recent opinion piece by Bill Fulton, author, planner, and former politician, looks for something to love about urban highways, and finds it in the reverse commute.
"Many of the people who choose to live downtown actually work in the suburbs," writes Fulton. "And, ironically, it’s the much-maligned urban freeway system that makes this lifestyle possible."
While advocates from groups like the Congress for New Urbanism celebrate areas that have torn down freeways in urban areas, Fulton takes the perhaps less popular (among progressive urbanists, anyway) position that urban freeways are at least partly responsible for the urban renaissance. In addition to the oft-cited benefits of culture and commerce, urban housing is made more attractive by the ability to get out of the city—the reverse commute made possible by freeways like the 527 Spur in Houston or Interstate 5 in San Diego, both places that Fulton has lived.
FULL STORY: In Defense of the Urban Freeway
Detroit Plans Freeway Removal To Spur Economic Development
City and state officials hope the proposal to turn part of I-375 into a walkable boulevard will help bring back businesses and economic vitality to the area.
Why a 'Marginally Useful' Minneapolis Freeway Segment Should Be Removed
Two ramps that have minimal impact on traffic could make way for apartments, commercial spaces, or much-needed parks.
TxDOT Promises to Reverse Some of the Damage Caused by Urban Freeways in Dallas
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is in the early stages of planning for two projects that could leverage plans to rebuild two freeways in the city with plan to reconnect the neighborhoods they severed.
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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity
Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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