Adding lanes encourages car growth.
In the realm of urban planning, a group of researchers and academics are shedding light on a phenomenon known as "induced traffic." This concept, which suggests that widening a highway can lead to increased congestion, is at the forefront of discussions regarding transportation and housing decisions.
Susan Handy, a civil engineer and professor of environmental science at the University of California, Davis (UCD), has developed an "induced traffic calculator" to predict the increase in congestion generated by the planned widening of a highway. Her work is particularly relevant in the context of the Katy Highway in Houston, with more than ten lanes in each direction, which is often cited as an example of induced traffic, despite still experiencing congestion.
Meanwhile, Catherine Morency is working on a tool designed to help households choose where to settle, as well as assist municipalities in deciding where to develop residential areas. This tool takes into account transportation and housing costs, aiming to provide a comprehensive view of the potential consequences of urban development.
Robert Noland, a Rutgers University expert, has been studying this issue for 30 years. He emphasises that the economic benefits of widening a highway are only realised if the environmental costs of automobiles are disregarded. This view is shared by Todd Litman, who asserts that households are more likely to move to the suburbs because they underestimate their transportation costs, with Houston ranking fourth among the most expensive cities for housing in the United States when considering car ownership and travel costs.
Litman has also published an analysis of housing costs in 22 American cities, taking into account transportation costs. His research indicates that the temporary benefits of adding lanes to a highway, such as improved housing access and economic activity, do not last, as congestion eventually returns. This return of congestion, coupled with the environmental impact of urban sprawl, can perpetuate spatial inequalities and congestion in urban areas.
Some people may decide to move further from their workplace due to easier access by car, where properties are cheaper. However, when driving becomes easier due to less congestion, more people are likely to use the road for shopping, dining, or other activities. This increased usage can further exacerbate the problem of induced traffic.
The tool developed by Catherine Morency will have several components for different clients. Its ultimate goal is to provide a clear and concise understanding of the potential impacts of urban development decisions, helping to create more sustainable and equitable cities.
In conclusion, the issue of induced traffic is a complex one, with far-reaching implications for urban planning, transportation, and the environment. As our cities continue to grow and evolve, it is crucial that we consider the long-term consequences of our decisions and strive to create more sustainable and equitable urban spaces.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
