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Canadian Urbanism Uncovered

Urban Planet: Highway Caps

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Urban Planet is a daily roundup of  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.

Highways can carve up and scar urban neighbourhoods, which is why many North American cities are looking for ways to cover this infrastructure and restore community. The Chicago Tribune explores the experience of Columbus, Ohio which saw increased pedestrian traffic and business for local stores following the installation of the “Cap at Union Station”. But with a $10 million+ price tag, is the cap a viable option for other centres?

Image from PlasticsSafety

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2 comments

  1. If that bridge cost just $10m extra, that’s insanely cheap.

    I imagine the retail space on the bridge could probably sell for that much.

  2. That below-ground highway style is what the Spadina Expressway was supposed to be, and can be seen in what did get built. Most of the major cross streets along Allen Road already have subway stations along the bridges, so I wonder if there’s anywhere else in Toronto this might actually be useful.