Urban landscapes are shaped by the infrastructure we prioritize, reflecting the needs and values of society at a given moment in time. One striking example of this evolution is Portland's Harbor Drive—a highway that was once an artery of heavy automobile traffic but was later demolished to make way for a waterfront park. This transformation not only reshaped downtown Portland, Oregon, United States but also marked a significant milestone in urban planning: the removal of a major highway in favor of public space. Harbor Drive's story set the stage for a growing trend of reducing urban traffic infrastructure and reimagining cities for people rather than cars.
The United States started the construction of a new interstate highway system which was mainly completed between 1956 and 1973. The construction boom expanded from the approval of the 1956 highway legislation. It was supported by lobbyists from businesses like automobile manufacturers, oil companies, makers of cement and steel, construction firms, and other businesses, who all recognized the significance of modern, high-speed highways. These roads were going to connect all the nation's major cities and would speed long-distance travel by truck and automobile. Along with the interstate lines, there was also a system of urban expressways that linked the central cities with the surrounding suburbs and facilitated commuting.
