>I disagree with the central assumption that reconnecting neighborhood roads cut by Interstates should be an exception rather than a rule.
Author here: That was not meant to be my central assumption! Sorry if it came across that way. I only called it out to note that the lack of walkability in the area made this bridge stand out. I wish that area (and other areas in my community) were more walkable and bike-friendly.
I only called it out to note that the lack of walkability in the area made this bridge stand out.
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed the piece, this smells like ignoring the obvious answer to the question. The place lacks it. The bridge provides more of it. Mystery solved, no? Need meets provision!
I felt the same way when I read about the Grainger employees complaining about the litter — which is a clue, evidence of people walking there — but you didn't follow that thread.
If you were assuming the bridge was to provide walkability then the next question would be “why connect these two points instead of somewhere more populous?”
That would lead you right down the same search as the author.
Author here: That was not meant to be my central assumption! Sorry if it came across that way. I only called it out to note that the lack of walkability in the area made this bridge stand out. I wish that area (and other areas in my community) were more walkable and bike-friendly.