Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Podcast

Talking Headways Podcast: The Freeway That Never Was

This week we’re talking with Brendan Wittstruck about St. Louis's never built freeway, I-755, which he recently wrote about at Streetsblog member NextSTL.

podcast icon logo
false

Brendan discusses the history of the project and how drawing lines on maps can be seductive to planners, who always have to be careful about trying to “fix” cities. He also talks about the racial politics of freeway construction in St. Louis, and how that legacy still shapes the city today. Finally, we chat about what the I-755 story means for freeway teardown movements today in terms of data collection and why this freeway never saw the light of day.

Join us and hear about the teardown that never had to happen, and the freeway that was never built.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Thursday’s Headlines

Will there be change at the top of CAHSRA leadership?

February 26, 2026

Talking Headways Podcast: The Future of Transit

Yonah Freemark talks with Jeff Wood about the state of the trains across the world.

February 26, 2026

Are Roundabouts Just For Rich People?

And if not, how do we get more of them in the low-income neighborhoods that need life-saving infrastructure the most?

February 25, 2026

How Recreational Cycling Can Lead to Safe Streets For All

These cities are leveraging joy to fight for connected communities.

February 25, 2026

Oakland Celebrates First Protected Intersection in Chinatown

Advocates pushing for more protected infrastructure through the area.

February 25, 2026

Republican’s Demagogue on Suspending Gas Tax and Climate Fuel Rules — Again

Once every four years, the idea of pausing the gas tax emerges from its cave before being sent back to the shadows.

February 25, 2026
See all posts