Traffic Congestion, Case Studies and Examples – Strong Towns

"The Economics of the I-49 Connector" (3-Part Series)

Part 1

Highway project proponents convert very small amounts of time savings into cash equivalents to show all the benefit a project is creating. In the case of the I49 connector, it barely even passes this phony test.

Part 2

The probability of the I-49 Inner City Connector creating 30,600 new jobs that would not have simply occurred somewhere else, or are just being shifted from one now blighted place to the study area, is precisely zero.

Part 3

Shreveport is overwhelmed—except for a short period of time in a limited space—with excess auto capacity, yet the I-49 Connector economic impact report cites a study of French cities to suggest more capacity is needed. C’est pas vrai.

"'Carmaggedon' Does a No-Show in Seattle. Again."

Not for the first time, the car-pocalypse failed to materialize around Seattle’s new SR-99 tunnel. This is further proof we’ve been underestimating commuters’ ability to adjust to transportation changes. Have we also been overestimating how much they value these multibillion-dollar megaprojects in the first place?

"Car-pocalypse Not Now: Why Predicted Gridlock in Seattle Was (Again) a No-Show"

Why are we still surprised when a highway closes and fears of traffic pandemonium don’t come to pass?

"Carpocalypse Never?"

Why do predictions of “Carmageddon” so often fail to materialize? Recent lane reductions on a major bridge in Portland may hold answers, if we pay attention.

"What COVID-19 Teaches Us About How to Fix Freeways"

If we’re willing to learn, this experiment shows us how to fight congestion and get a more efficient transportation system.

"COVID-19 Is Teaching Us How to Fix Our Traffic Problem. Are We Listening? (Podcast)"

Shifting traffic patterns are backing up decades of data: the way to fix our highways isn’t expanding capacity but rather managing demand.

"Can Removing Lanes From a Busy Street Actually Make Traffic Better?"

A deep, dredged ship canal is a recipe for catastrophic flooding in a hurricane, whereas a coastal marsh absorbs the surge of water in a way that lets life continue to flourish. This analogy has something important to teach us about urban streets.

"What Dallas, Houston, Louisville, and Rochester Can Teach Us About Widening Freeways: Don’t!"

Portland is thinking about widening freeways; other cities show that doesn’t work.

"Why One City Stopped Asking 'How Are We Going to Move Cars Across Town?'"

The right question is how we’re going to get people to the things that make their lives better. Transportation problems look different once you’re having that conversation.

"The Economics of the I-49 Connector" (3-Part Series)

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