Moving Highways to Spark Economic Development

Cities have changed since the 1950s and 1960s when interstate highways were built through them. In some cases, the functionality of space within cities has changed since then. Some cities, like Oklahoma City, OK, and even my hometome Cleveland, OH, are examining ways to move sections of interstates and other major highways to spark economic development. These moves are no small matters in terms on money and impacts on travel patterns.

Congress' passage of $130 million more in funding to relocate Interstate 40 in Oklahoma City has officials here envisioning everything from a golf course to new urban housing in an expanding downtown area.

Roy Williams, a good friend, says he has heard it all when it comes to new uses of OKC's Crosstown area. As the of the President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Roy has heard from parties interested in building a sports complex or even a giant green space similar to New York City's Central Park once the interstate is knocked off its stilts and moved five blocks south.

As it stands now, the high-rise buildings, convention center and arena that make up downtown Oklahoma City are all north of I-40. By moving the freeway south, more land adjacent to the downtown area will be opened for development. A downtown boulevard will be built along the old path. Read more here.

Cleveland officials are examing the feasibility of moving a section of the City's Inner Belt Highway along the lakefront (Lake Erie) to improve access and use of space between downtown and the lakefront.