Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Damien Talks

DamienTalks 40 – Michael Manville on Automatic Road Widenings

It's been a while since we recorded a #DamienTalks specifically for the California website, but now we're back with a good one. In this week's edition, Damien Talks with Michael Manville, a professor and researcher at UCLA.

#DamienTalks

Manville has hit a bit of Livable Streets fame with an article he wrote for the Journal of Transportation and Land Use. In that article, he outlines why laws requiring developers to invest in road widening to "mitigate" traffic created by their development don't actually do anything to improve traffic flow locally or regionally.

Almost nobody who understands transportation planning believes that these requirements do anything to improve traffic flow--yet these laws persist.

Manville doesn't only debunk the theory behind the laws, but also offers a solution...should policy makers heed his call.

You can read "Automatic street widening: Evidence from a highway dedication law" at the Journal of Transportation and Land Use here, and a summary of the article from Streetsblog USA here.

We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Wednesday’s Headlines

A larger than usual headlines stack as we careen towards the 4th of July.

July 2, 2025

Inner Richmond Parents Fed Up with SFMTA Watering Down Safety

Mother of a child hit by a driver furious with city excuses for not taking daylighting and other safety measures seriously.

July 2, 2025

Governor Signs Major Changes to CEQA to Cheers from YIMBYs, Jeers from Environmental Groups

Newsom fast tracked changes to CEQA to fast track development and housing. But what do the changes to the law actually do?

July 1, 2025

Santa Monica and West Hollywood Bus Lane/Stop Enforcement Programs Start Today

Don't block the bus! Parking in a bus lane or at a bus stop will result in a $293 ticket.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines

Gov Signs CEQA Bill to Increase Housing, Higher Fees on Parking and Tolls, Opposition to Road Widenings, ICE

July 1, 2025

Does Constant Driving Really Make Our Country Richer?

A new study reveals that constant driving is making America less productive and prosperous — and getting people on other modes could help right the ship.

June 30, 2025
See all posts