Scratch & Win
Part 1: We Were Wrong
Sep 27, 2023
The podcast discusses the ironic involvement of Fred Salvucci, who despised highways, in America's most expensive highway project. It explores the controversial and negative perception of the Big Dig project, the struggle to save an integrated neighborhood, the activism against highway construction, and the concept of tearing down highways. It also mentions the production process and provides book recommendations.
54:17
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Quick takeaways
- The anti-highway movement successfully halted the construction of destructive highways and called for better alternatives.
- Governor Sargent's decision to freeze highway construction marked a radical shift and became a symbol of hope and progress for anti-highway activists.
Deep dives
Origin of the Anti-Highway Movement
In the 1950s and 60s, highways were seen as progress and a way to lure white people back into cities. However, anti-highway movements emerged, fighting against the destruction of neighborhoods. Fred Salvucci, who hated highways due to his grandmother losing her house, became a key figure in the movement. They successfully halted the construction of the inner belt and Southwest Expressway in Cambridge. The activists challenged the state's road-building policy and called for better alternatives.
