“Almost as if they want our cities to fail”

Highways serve many needs, from transportation to economic growth. However, increasing infrastructure can sometimes cause more problems.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), a photo compares the current landscape of Houston, Texas, to a city overrun by highways surrounding the metropolis.

Good to know in 2024, Houston’s mayor and city council voted today on expanding freeways through downtown. I’m sure an additional channel will solve the problem this time. pic.twitter.com/9lwo3i6JAd

– Hayden Clarkin (@the_transit_guy) May 22, 2024

“Good to know that in 2024, the Houston Mayor and City Council voted today on expanding highways through downtown. I’m sure one more lane will solve the problem this time.” , captioned the original poster in the post.

As the Houston Chronicle reports, Interstate 45 (I-45) is being reconstructed and expanded to accommodate the Houston metropolitan area, home to more than 7.5 million people, as part of a project that will cost taxpayers $10 billion. The highway hasn’t received any updates since the 1970s, including wide shoulders for emergencies or gentler curves for intersections.

After nearly 20 years of discussions, Texas Department of Transportation officials decided to add two managed lanes in each direction, as well as rebuild the highway system around Houston. The widened I-45 will parallel I-10 north of Houston’s central business district and head toward the east side of downtown on I-69.

“It’s nice to destroy more of the city for further highway expansion. I’m sure this will be the last expansion,” original poster Hayden Clarkin (@the_transit_guy) of transit officials said sarcastically. the city of Houston for making this decision.

There is much debate about highway expansion in the United States. A new poll found that many Americans are against expanding highways to reduce traffic congestion, preferring instead to invest in public transportation and walkable communities.

Highway pollution is a major concern, especially for those who live near busy roads. Transportation releases 28% of air pollution in the United States each year, and research has shown that traffic-related air pollution can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory disease, heart disease, and even cognitive decline. .

An Emory University study found that people living in areas with high levels of traffic-related air pollution are more likely to develop dementia. Houston residents have expressed concern that the metro area is at risk of similar problems.

Prioritizing other modes of transportation, like cycling or walking, can reduce air pollution while keeping communities active and healthy. Scotland, for example, is moving to create “20-minute neighborhoods.” The desire for walkable cities, in Houston and beyond, is strong.

“You can’t create more land, but we can definitely use it better,” one X user commented.

“It’s almost like they want our cities to fail,” wrote another.

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