Why cities should destroy their highways

[marmar]

from Grist:



Why cities should destroy their highways

by Christopher Mims
14 Nov 2011 12:03 PM


America has a huge transportation infrastructure deficit, which means lots of our highways are due to be rebuilt. But according to Next American City editor at large Diana Lind, we'd be better off simply knocking them down, especially the ones that blight our cities.

It's been done before, reports http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/smart-takes/why-cities-should-dismantle-highways/20295?tag=mantle_skin;content">Andrew Nusca at SmartPlanet:

After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the city of San Francisco faced the tremendous task of rebuilding the structurally-damaged Embarcadero Freeway. Instead, they tore it down, replaced it with a people-friendly boulevard that encouraged development. The surrounding area has since rebounded, Lind said, with higher property values, more tourism and more housing for city residents.

.....(snip).....

And how will people get around without all those highways? Mass transit, of course. America is relearning what countries in Europe and Asia never forgot -- in cities, cars are often the least good way to get around. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.grist.org/list/2011-11-14-why-cities-should-destroy-their-highways

[nxylas]

1. Powered by teabagger tears?

But the howls of outrage if anyone dares to suggest that America could learn anything from Europe might exceed the recommended noise pollution levels.

[txlibdem]

2. Agreed 100%

Too bad this thread fizzled out too quick.