The Texas Transportation Commission has approved a $1.6 billion expansion project for Interstate 365, also known as LBJ East. The project is considered North Texas' most pressing transportation need.
"The Texas Department of Transportation now has its governing body's approval to seek bids on 10.8 miles of Interstate 635 between Central Expressway and Interstate 30 — known as LBJ East to planners," reports Ray Leszcynski.
"The result will be another free lane in each direction, continuous frontage roads that the 50-year-old freeway doesn't have now, and an improved interchange at Interstate 30. The current HOV/Express Lanes in each direction, which are tolled, are 'grandfathered' into the deal and will be rebuilt," adds Leszcynski.
A follow-up column by Leszcynski opens the discussion to questions about the long-term viability of Texas' transportation spending agenda in the Dallas area, i.e., how it will ever be possible for state and local authorities to come up with $24 billion in projects on the Texas Department of Transportation's wish list for the Dallas district. The LBJ Freeway project is only the third-most expensive project on that list, though it is the top priority for the region.
According to Leszcynski, the roadmap for infrastructure spending provided by the LBJ Freeway's example is very much an unproven concept.
FULL STORY: $1.6 billion LBJ East project gets official blessing from TxDOT
Columnist to Dallas: Tear Down That Freeway
Freeways have been removed before, but if the Texas Department of Transportation decides to tear down the I-345 freeway in Dallas, it would reflect a massive sea change in urban transportation planning.
Dallas DOT Brings New Mobility Vision to the Region
The agency’s director wants to change the city’s transportation priorities and provide more mobility options to residents.
The City of Dallas Rejects the State of Texas on Plans to Widen Interstate 30
A plan to widen the Interstate 30 in Dallas is pitting state transportation officials, with ostensible goals to serve regional transportation needs, against local officials, who are more concerned with "neighborhood-centric ideals."
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.
Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio
Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
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