A new Senate bill includes $10 billion for cities that are considering removing urban freeways that could undo damage these projects inflicted on vulnerable communities decades ago.
Critics say these urban highway projects, often including sections of elevated roadways, were forced upon neighborhoods that lacked political clout during construction of the Interstate Highway System. Many of these roadway projects razed swaths of downtowns and waterfronts often inhabited by minority and low-income people.
The bill provides $10 billion to potentially alter or remove these roadways. It would also help pay for plans to redevelop strips of land reclaimed from their removal.
The concept was demonstrated when San Francisco’s Embarcadero Freeway was removed in 1991 after heavy damage resulting from a 1989 earthquake. That project freed 100 acres of waterfront property for development. Another more recent example is in Rochester, New York, where a segment of a sunken expressway that encircles the city’s downtown was removed, and the city is now considering removal of the rest of the loop.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2019
Zero energy buildings can be constructed with no added upfront cost
ROI can be realized in as little as one year.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2019
Researchers use U. of Arkansas buildings as testbed for CLT panels
Investigation could influence future use of the materials.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2019
At least 30 U.S. cities have adopted stricter building energy codes since 2017
Some followed their states in implementing more robust standards.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2019
Illinois law sets maximum retainage on private projects
The change is expected to give contractors bigger checks earlier in project timeline.
Codes and Standards | Sep 10, 2019
Retreat may be the best option for some coastal communities in face of sea level rise
A new study makes the case for relocating in a "strategic, managed" manner.
Codes and Standards | Sep 9, 2019
Free app calculates maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings
A free app that calculates the maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction has been released.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2019
Standard for assessing frame deflection using one component polyurethane foams updated
The standard offers guidance when installing fenestration products.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
The high cost of gridlock: $166 billion per year
Growing economy means more jobs, more cars, more hours stuck in traffic.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
Industry leaders ask for government help as trades shortage worsens
AGC asks for more funding for education and increased immigration to fill gaps.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
Code-conforming wood design guide available
The guide summarizes provisions for the use of wood and wood products in the 2018 IBC.