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Driving

Cars use Interstate 5 through Seattle on a sunny day, with the sun just breaking through the city skyline

Facing Budget Crisis, Washington’s Leaders Downplay Focus on Highway Expansion

As other states start to reassess their prioritization of expanding highway capacity in the face of ambitious climate goals and other transportation needs, Washington is still in denial mode.

Sunday Video: Why Traffic Is Worse Than Ever and NYC’s Solution

CityNerd dives into rising traffic congestion and Manhattan's congestion pricing system that just went into effect, seeking to address the issue.
A sign on an apartment building indicating the parking entrance

Bateman Takes Aim at Washington’s Parking Mandates

A new bill introduced at the state legislature by longtime housing advocate Jessica Bateman would represent a sea change, limiting the ability of cities and counties to mandate high amounts of parking.

How Routine Lake Washington Boulevard Traffic Calming Turned Into a Fight

The idea of slowing drivers along one of the city's most scenic waterfront routes had been seen as the compromise position, in the face of competing visions for Lake Washington Boulevard. But behind-the-scenes, the upgrades have been under attack.
A tangle of more than a dozen flyover ramps in a I-610 interchange.

Biden Infrastructure Law Mostly Funded Road Expansion, Leading to Climate Backsliding

A new report shows most states continue to funnel money toward highway expansion, locking in climate pollution, despite new tools to fund transit and other forms of climate action. This is a losing strategy for both the environment and increasing mobility options. 
An E Line bus heads northbound on Aurora Avenue N near Green Lake on a sunny day.

24/7 Aurora Bus Lanes to Keep Riders Moving During I-5 Overhaul

To keep buses moving as lanes are set to be shut down on I-5 over a three-year period, the Seattle Department of Transportation is set to convert peak-hour bus lanes to all-day. But the city isn't calling the change permanent.
A view over Montlake from a drone looking toward North Capitol Hill on a beautiful day

The Washington State Transportation Budget Is In Deep Trouble

Declining state transportation revenue and increased project costs are on a collision course. Long-promised highway projects, court-ordered fish culvert removal, and badly needed investments in transit, active transportation, and traffic safety are all fighting for a shrinking pie.

Bellingham Votes to End to Parking Mandates in Housing Push

On Monday, Bellingham joined the growing list of cities that have opted to eliminate parking mandates citywide. Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund and an allied city council have more housing reforms on deck.