Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
South Korea's Cheonggyecheon stream and park used to be a highway. Photo: ##https://www.flickr.com/photos/25869929@N03/2468502996##Michael Sotnikov/flickr##
South Korea's Cheonggyecheon stream and park used to be a highway. Photo: ##https://www.flickr.com/photos/25869929@N03/2468502996##Michael Sotnikov/flickr##
false

Quick quiz: What city is the world leader in highway teardowns? San Francisco? Portland? Madrid?

Wrong, wrong, wrong. It's Seoul, South Korea, which has removed 15 urban highways -- and is about to remove another. In this week's Talking Headways episode, Jeff and I talk about what can take the place of a freeway in a city and why it's worth it.

We also debunk the argument, made in Atlantic Cities and the Washington Post last week, that promoting car access will benefit people with low incomes. The whole concept is based on a study that basically said that in the 90s you needed a car to get around the suburbs. Not exactly a persuasive justification for automobile subsidies in today's cities.

We wander down Saffron Avenue and Nutmeg Lane to investigate whether it's true that cities are losing their smell -- and whether that's really such a bad thing. Then we accidentally trip into a conversation about pheromones and good-smelling men.

What's your favorite smell in your city? Let us know in the comments.

We're working on getting the podcast available on Stitcher, which apparently is a thing that exists, but for now you can subscribe on iTunes or follow the RSS feed.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

How Kathy Hochul Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Congestion Pricing

She loved, then hated, then loved, then gutted, and, yesterday, celebrated the congestion pricing toll as it marked its first birthday.

January 6, 2026

Illegally Parked Cars Delayed FDNY Response to Five-Alarm Fire

First responders call out scofflaws blocking hydrants for delaying the response to a five alarm fire in the Bronx.

January 6, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: Standing Up for Congestion Pricing Edition

Whaddya know — we now have a mayor who openly supports congestion pricing. Plus other news.

January 6, 2026

Mamdani: Daylighting Before Death!

The mayor wants the Department of Transportation to add daylighting before someone has been killed rather than wait to ban parking at intersections after a completely avoidable tragedy.

January 5, 2026

How Congestion Pricing Proved the Haters Wrong and Is Changing New York for the Better

Happy birthday to the toll cameras! Congestion pricing is working as promised — defying haters and doubters, including President Trump. Here's why.

January 5, 2026

So What’s Going On With All Those Congestion Pricing Lawsuits?

We're not lawyers, but we have read all of these lawsuits half a dozen times so you don't have to.

January 5, 2026
See all posts