Each week we will be focusing on blogs from around the world dealing specifically with urban environments. We’ll be on the lookout for websites outside the country that approach themes related to urban experiences and issues.
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• The ten-lane I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota is being called the safest bridge in America. The bridge which replaces a structure that collapsed into the Mississippi River in 2007 killing 13 people, is bright white with stylish curved piers. But as CNN reports, its the 323 high technology sensors within the structure that set the bridge apart. The $1 million devices record corrosion, stress, bridge movement and security data. With such a huge price tag, some wonder whether the money might be spent on older bridges more likely to collapse.
• Those of you spending summer days exploring the city may enjoy this piece in the New York Times about navigating the urban jungle. Gooley and MacDonald offer some creative wayfinding techniques for the urban wilds.
• Can’t go under it? Can’t go around it? Can’t go through it? Gotta go over it. That’s the idea behind Chinese company Shenzhen Hashi Future Parking Equipment’s 3D Fast Bus. TreeHugger has a video of this giant vehicle which straddles the street allowing cars to drive right under it.
• The road towards a cycling revolution is painted bright blue. At least, that’s the case in London, where the Dirt reports that the city’s two new bicycle superhighways are part of an ambitious plan to improve cycling conditions.
Photo by myjoyonline