Protesting Portland's Freeways: Highway Engineering and Citizen Activism in the Interstate Era
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Date
2009-06
Authors
Fackler, Eliot Henry, 1982-
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
From its inception, the Oregon State Highway Department and Portland's
political leaders repeatedly failed to address the city's automobile traffic problems.
However, in 1955 the Highway Department published a comprehensive freeway plan that
anticipated new federal funding and initiated an era of unprecedented road construction in
the growing city. In the early 1960s, localized opposition to the city's Interstate system
failed to halt the completion of three major routes. Yet, politically savvy grassroots
activists and a new generation of local leaders used the provisions of the National
Environmental Policy Act and the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 to successfully stop
the construction of two freeways in the mid 1970s. Though favorable legislation and the
efforts of local politicians were instrumental in thwarting the Highway Department's
plans, this study will focus on the crucial role played by the citizens who waged an
ideological battle against recalcitrant highway engineers for Portland's future.
Description
ix, 123 p. : ill. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
Keywords
Interstate Highway System -- Oregon -- Portland -- History -- 20th century, Oregon. State Highway Dept. -- History