A short episode: after the Realistic Population jump, Westfield finishes its three-lane highway connection, threads a double-lane highway through the forest without losing many redwoods, builds a large intersection that lets traffic go in every direction, and adds fire stations along the new road. The incoming traffic jam is gone; public transport is next.
What happens in this episode
After the population jump in episode 26, there’s major traffic at the new three-lane highway and huge demand for industry and offices. I don’t think the Realistic Population mod is cheating: it simply reflects the buildings in the city.
How it was built
Traffic before industry
An industrial zone could meet the demand, but it would bring waste, garbage and pollution, which I don’t want. Traffic comes first. With the game paused, highway connections and ramps go in, sped up in a timelapse so you can still watch every step.
Through the redwoods
A large double-lane national highway now runs through the forest without destroying many redwoods. Forest fires are a risk, so fire stations went in along the way, and the first fire was put out. A massive intersection lets traffic go in every direction, with a detour for a minor part of town.
What’s next
The incoming traffic jams are gone. A few small issues remain for next time, and the big task is public transport, which will mean major changes to the downtown areas.
Video chapters
- 00:00More people, more demand
- 02:05Traffic before industry
- 04:54Building the connections (timelapse)
- 09:44Through the redwoods, plus fire stations
- 12:18An all-direction intersection
Clicking a chapter starts the video above at that point.
FAQ
Is the Realistic Population mod cheating?
I don't think so — it makes the number of residents reflect the buildings that are actually in the city.
Why not just zone more industry?
Industrial demand was high, but industry brings waste, garbage and pollution. In Westfield I fixed traffic first and kept industry limited.
Do you need fire stations along highways?
Fires in forest areas spread easily. Westfield got extra fire stations along the new highway so the woods are covered.