To reduce traffic congestion, create jobs and meet growth forecasts, international governments are planning a range of major highway projects over the next decade. However, there are also legitimate concerns regarding the social, environmental and financial costs of these large construction projects — especially when other transportation solutions could be implemented. To consider the long list of pros and cons, the Transport Futures Highway Planning Webinar Series compared and contrasted the latest global research, case studies and best practices through presentations and interactive panel discussions. Between February and May 2023, our seven webinars focused on:

1. Expanding Highways: Opportunities and challenges in a COVID-altered world (Feb 9)

2. Optimizing Highways: Enhancing existing networks without expansions (Feb 23)

3. Replacing Highways: A different approach to transportation planning (Mar 9)

4. Highway $$$: Funding, procurement and financial structures  (Mar 23)

5. Highway Communications: Framing benefits and costs for diverse audiences (Apr 13)

6. Highway Construction and Operations: Traditions and innovations (Apr 20)

7. Highway Stakeholders: Diverse perspectives on the future of highways (May 4)

After learning from and with our Canadian, American, British and European experts and stakeholders, delegates representing government, business, academia and NGOs decided whether it is best to expand, optimize and/or replace limited access highways in the short and long term.

Thanks to everyone who joined us!