Upcycling Infrastructure: Transforming Connections and Communities

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Methods for redesigning underutilized transportation assets to impact communities positively
• How specific project types can transform specific communities, including environmental justice communities
• How to lead the collaboration and coordination of multiple partners/stakeholders in the development of transportation projects intended to have community benefits beyond just connecting origins to destinations

MORE SESSION DETAILS

Often excess capacity and under-performing assets within a transportation system are an all-too-common reality in the urban environment of legacy regions. Repurposing such existing infrastructure is an effective way to better manage transportation networks while transforming communities through new transportation connections. With a population of 4.5 million, Northeast Ohio, the home of Cleveland, was planned and built for a million more people. Not only did the additional population never materialize, but sprawl further contributed to the problem, leaving many urban areas with significant underutilized infrastructure assets. Specifically, the roads can carry significantly more automobile traffic than current volumes. Rather than mourn the empty streets, Cleveland is redesigning to "upcycle" existing infrastructure to add alternate modes of travel — primarily bicycle, pedestrian, and transit. This session will highlight the solutions that already have and are continuing to transform the local communities as well as the region as a whole. The diverse panel reflects the collaboration between the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the City of Cleveland, the Transit Authority, and two nonprofits to drive the transformations. Hear the entire story of this transformation, from start to finish and beyond.