In Praise of the Bridge to Nowhere

The "bridge to nowhere" is a classic concept in transportation structures. Even taking a minor role in the 2008 presidential election debate, the bridge to nowhere always faces opposition from those not expecting to benefit. For some reason, people view these bridges as an excuse for the government to reward construction firms that have acquired political favor.

The Atlanta Downtown Connector gives residents a chance to catch up with each other on a daily basis

What people should realize, however, is that everyone benefits when these bridges are built way out in the Middle of Nowhere, USA. For the past half century, citizens have been held ransom to the whims of people like Robert Moses ("cities are for traffic"), whereby neighborhood have been demolished for the purpose of moving machines. Even historically significant neighborhoods, such as Martin Luther King Jr's neighborhood, have been cut in two by highway plotters.

the city planner at work

Here in Indianapolis, the "Crossroads of America", we have sacrificed much of our downtown area to ease access to our tall building and parking garages. Imagine all of the historic neighborhoods that could have been saved if only we had convinced the heavy-handed and delusional city leaders to focus their attentions on building a bridge worthy of the Circle City somewhere else, maybe just outside the city limits for example.

an aptly named local establishment

This is the great benefit of bridges to nowhere: they are built away from cities. The discredited theory of Urban Renewal sponsored by megalomaniacal politicians is no longer necessary! Elected officials have finally discovered how to subsidize their friends without ruining our neighborhoods. In fact, Brasilia may be the most progressive historic preservation project ever undertaken.

Now the NYT has an article complaining about rural development receiving all the ARRA attention. Don't complain, celebrate! At least nobody is threatening eminent domain for a new shopping mall in your neighborhood.