WSDOT Advances Plan to Tame I-90 Ramps at Judkins Park Station

WSDOT's concept would remove the northbound ramp from I-90 onto Rainier Avenue and improve safety at the other freeway ramps. A clear step in the right direction, the unfunded plan is not as bold as some transportation advocates would like to see near such an important light rail station.
The view south toward the Space Needle from Fremont with a misty evening giving the sunset a peach tinge.

Op-Ed: Nobody Wants to Live Next to a Highway

Cities must commit to downsizing their highway networks if they intend to meet climate and livability goals and expand housing in a healthy and equitable manner. Seattle must lead the way.

State Senate Signs Onto Billions of New Debt for Highway Upkeep

The $2 billion in new bonding in the Senate's transportation budget would help bolster the state's highway and bridge maintenance spending, which has lagged due to longstanding prioritization of new highway projects. But the debt load could create problems for future budget writers.
The I-5 view from the Lakeview Boulevard bridge looking north with bumper to bumper traffic at dusk.

Op-Ed: Revive I-5 Is the Missed Off-Ramp from Car Dependence

Revive I-5 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce car dependency and encourage transit, walking, rolling, and biking, but the Seattle region is letting it slip between its fingers. It's not too late to fix that, opines Kadie Bell Sata.

Sunday Video: What is ‘Carbrain’?

In this video, Ray Delahanty of CityNerd takes a dive into what "carbrain" is and how it affects how roads and highways are designed.
An aerial view of a large highway bridge.

Urbanist Podcast: Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle

In this podcast, The Urbanist newsroom previews Washington's state legislative session and breaks down the huge setback dealt to the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement project, a highway boondoggle with a ballooning budget. Plus, Amy and Doug recounted their first interview with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson since she's been installed in office.

Bellevue Could Take State Parking Reform to the Next Level

The Eastside's largest city could ultimately go much further than the new statewide baseline in providing flexibility for builders when it comes to costly off-street parking stalls. Recent elections in Bellevue have likely changed the conversation that's ahead.

The Pacific Northwest’s Biggest Highway Project Could be Cooked

New cost estimates on the long-planned Interstate Bridge Replacement over the Columbia River reveal a funding gap that could range from $5 billion to a staggering $13 billion, an amount that neither Washington nor Oregon is prepared to absorb. The project looks poised to meet the same fate as a similar attempt to replace the twin I-5 bridges over a decade ago.