Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Highway Expansion

The Tragic History of Highways Demolishing Cities — It’s Not Over Yet

This video from Vox provides an excellent overview of how the Interstate Highway System wiped out whole city neighborhoods in the post-war era.

It's hard to believe that federal and local officials ever thought it was a good idea to uproot urban residents to clear paths for highways, but what's even crazier is that we're still doing the same thing today.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: The Lost Subways of North America

Author Jake Berman discusses transit histories through the lens of racial dynamics, monopolies, ballot measures and overlooked cities.

January 15, 2026

A ‘Demographic Time Bomb’ Is About To Go Off — And the Transportation Sector Isn’t Ready

A top firm is warning that the "silver tsunami" will have big implications for the climate, unless U.S. communities act fast.

January 15, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines Shoot for the Moon

What if the U.S. spent anything near what it spends on highways on transit instead?

January 15, 2026

Is it Time to Try Congestion Pricing in San Francisco?

Congestion pricing has been an unqualified success in New York (and lots of other places). Why wouldn't it work elsewhere?

January 14, 2026

Analysis: What It Would Take To Put America First in Transit Again

No, it won't be easy. Yes, it can be done.

January 14, 2026
See all posts