Examples of Poor Urban Planning: Fixing Industrial Traffic Anomalies
Urban planning decisions can have a significant impact on the functionality and quality of life within a city. Some of these decisions, made decades ago, may now seem ill-conceived and have led to ongoing challenges. In this article, we will explore two notable examples of poor urban planning and their current solutions.
Building Highways Along Waterfronts: A Decidedly Ineffective Approach
From the 1950s to the 1960s, North American cities adopted acommon practice of building highways along their waterfronts, which often led to the creation of industrial districts. This shift was influenced by the perception that these areas were utilitarian and problematic due to swampy conditions and poor soils. The highways severed the natural connection between urban centers and their waterfronts, resulting in an environment where residents and visitors lacked convenient ways to access these areas.
This situation is evident in several well-known cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and Toronto. In these cities, the construction of highways was a mistake that hampered cultural and recreational activities along the water, affecting the urban fabric of these cities significantly. Decades later, urban planners and city zoning officials began to recognize and address these planning errors.
Reclamation and Revitalization: Toronto's Waterfront Success Story
One of the more successful examples of reclamation and revitalization is Toronto. Faced with the challenge of reconnecting its waterfront to the urban core, Toronto undertook a series of complex but effective measures. They removed the highways, replaced them with walkable and aesthetically pleasing streets, and integrated recreational areas, business districts, and entertainment venues.
The reallocation of these once-severed areas has transformed the city's waterfront, making it a bustling hub of activity. This regenerative approach not only improved the quality of life for city residents but also boosted tourism and economic development in the region. This exemplifies the potential for urban planners to reverse poor decisions and build more sustainable, livable cities.
The Necessity of Three-Way Intersections: An Alternative to Four-Way Intersections
In addition to waterfront issues, urban traffic engineering also presents challenges. North American cities favor 90-degree four-way intersections, which have become a significant source of traffic congestion. This was an alternative to the more common 120-degree three-way intersections found in earlier developed regions like Europe and Asia. The strategic use of these 45-degree angles on land subdivision grids was simpler and facilitated quicker development of new territories during the 18th century when national railways and burgeoning new nations like Canada and the US were in their infancy.
However, these four-way intersections present a substantial traffic management challenge, as only 50 percent of vehicles can proceed without conflict. In contrast, three-way intersections allow a higher percentage of traffic to move freely, reducing congestion and improving overall traffic flow. For instance, 66 percent of trips can proceed without conflict, and overpasses can be smaller, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure development.
Lessons from the Past and Future Solutions
Urban planning mistakes, whether related to waterfront development or traffic flow, can have long-lasting and deleterious effects. It is crucial for urban planners to learn from past mistakes and implement sustainable solutions that enhance livability and functionality in cities.
Understanding the impacts of historical decisions such as the construction of highways along waterfronts and the preference for 90-degree four-way intersections can help us avoid similar errors in future urban development. By reevaluating existing infrastructure and continuously optimizing traffic flow systems, we can create cities that are not only functional but also enjoyable places to live and work.
Reflecting on these urban planning missteps, we can better advocate for more thoughtful and beneficial city designs that prioritize the needs and well-being of all residents.