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Friday Five: Highway Conversions, Transit Records and Grand Reopenings

Published almost 2 years ago • 2 min read

Friday Five: Highway Conversions, Transit Records and Grand Reopenings

Happy Friday! Can you believe it's already December?

Here's what we're reading this week:

What We're Reading This Week:

Milwaukee’s I-794 Conversion Could Add 3,000 Housing Units, $1.1B in Development

Milwaukee is considering a bold plan to replace a portion of I-794 with a boulevard, a move that could unlock space for 3,000 housing units and $1.1 billion in potential development. The proposal aims to reconnect neighborhoods, create vibrant public spaces, and boost economic growth by transforming the elevated freeway into a walkable, mixed-use corridor. Advocates see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink urban land use, while critics raise concerns about traffic impacts. If approved, the project could serve as a model for cities looking to repurpose outdated highway infrastructure.

Amtrak Sets New Ridership and Revenue Records in Fiscal Year 2024

Amtrak has achieved a historic milestone, recording 32.8 million customer trips in fiscal year 2024—a 15% increase over the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by approximately 300,000 trips. This surge in ridership contributed to a record-high ticket revenue of $2.5 billion, marking a 7% year-over-year increase in total operating revenue, which reached $3.6 billion. Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia attributes this growth to strategic investments aimed at enhancing service reliability and expanding train capacity. The company continues to focus on infrastructure upgrades and partnerships to further elevate the passenger rail experience across the nation.

Notre Dame Reopens After Remarkably Fast Restoration

In a stunning turnaround, Paris’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is reopening to the public less than five years after a devastating fire nearly destroyed it. The speed of the restoration, fueled by global donations and round-the-clock work by skilled craftspeople, is a testament to the determination to preserve this historic landmark. The cathedral now stands as both a restored masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a symbol of resilience. Its reopening marks a significant moment for Paris and visitors worldwide, demonstrating what’s possible with focused effort and international collaboration.

BIXI Bike Share Hits Record 13 Million Rides in 2024

Montreal’s BIXI bike-sharing program has smashed its own records, logging an impressive 13 million rides in 2024. This milestone reflects a growing shift toward sustainable urban mobility, as residents and visitors embrace cycling for commuting and recreation. The program’s expansion, including the addition of more bikes and stations, has helped make BIXI an integral part of the city’s transportation network. Montreal’s success demonstrates the potential for bike-sharing programs to not only reduce car dependency but also enhance the livability of urban areas.

Philadelphia Enacts Law Keeping Cars Out of Bike Lanes

Philadelphia has strengthened its commitment to cyclist safety with a new law prohibiting vehicles from stopping, standing, or parking in designated bike lanes. Signed by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker on December 4, 2024, the legislation imposes fines of $125 in Center City and $75 elsewhere for violations. This move aims to prevent accidents caused by cyclists veering into traffic to avoid obstructing vehicles, addressing concerns heightened by recent fatal crashes involving cyclists. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is tasked with enforcing the new regulations, marking a significant step toward safer streets for all users.

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written by Michael Natelli

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