Planning and building streets and neighborhoods that are walkable and pedestrian friendly is a long process. In Madison, as in communities around the country, the list of local roads that need attention is long, and the budget for planning and reconstruction is stretched thin.
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We have been taking a closer look at the proposal from the Madison Design Professionals Workgroup to put commuter traffic on US Highway 151 underground through part of Downtown Madison, cap the tunnel with a new 6.5 acre park, and improve the surface street grid for local pedestrian, bicycle, mass transit, and local vehicle traffic. Last week, we examined some of the myriad benefits a project like this would likely have. Today, we will take a look at some of the potential downsides and side effects the project may produce.
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As promised, 1000 Friends is sharing some more in-depth analysis of the proposal to bury John Nolen Drive and Blair Street in a tunnel, build a park on the surface, and reconnect the surface street grid. Today, we tackle some of the primary benefits of this project from the transportation, environmental, and civic points of view.
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Madison’s downtown has seen a boom in residential and mixed-use development, and the city’s 2012 Downtown Plan aims to guide and balance density, vibrant and walkable streets and public spaces, and historic preservation. A number of persistent challenges remain, however, particularly the downtown’s thin connection to Lake Monona, transportation hotspots, and a need for more public parks.
Read more about "Cover It Up: Decking over Madison’s John Nolen Drive would benefit the city but faces complex challenges"
Read what Green Downtown Program Manager Matt Covert has to say about decking over John Nolen Drive in Madison. And check out these successful cut and cover examples: Chicago Columbus Duluth
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The answer about what’s most important about your neighborhood is walkability. Recent studies have championed the physical health benefits of designing for walkability, the improvements in community health and wellbeing from new residential construction in walkable areas, and the economic value of walkability in terms of dollars spent in the local economy.
Read more about "What’s most important to you about your neighborhood?"