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Paving the Way: How Highway Construction Has Contributed to Sprawl in Maryland
Publication Date: November 2000
Publisher(s): MaryPIRG
Author(s): Brad Heavner
Funder(s): Surdna Foundation; Town Creek Foundation; Abell Foundation; Tides Foundation; Beldon Fund; Clayton Baker Trust
Funder(s): Surdna Foundation; Town Creek Foundation; Abell Foundation; Tides Foundation; Beldon Fund; Clayton Baker Trust
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Keywords: transportation; sprawl; induced demand
Type: Report
Coverage: Maryland
Abstract:
Highway construction has been a key factor creating sprawl in Maryland. Data shows that highways intended to serve the needs of existing communities and alleviate traffic have instead allowed migration outward from the cities. They have been a cause of sprawl rather than a solution to congestion. Paving the Way presents an analysis of all developed residential and commercial properties in central Maryland and the Eastern Shore in relation to all major highways, finding that highways act as magnets for development.