PLANNING-THEORY IN PRACTICE - THE CASE OF PLANNING HIGHWAY-6 IN ISRAEL

Comprehensive rationality and disjointed incrementalism are among the decisionmaking models discussed in planning theory. But the practical relevance of this discussion has been questioned and concrete evidence of links between theory and practice is rare. The case of the plannin g of Highway 6 in Israel demonstrates this link. Litigation preceding implementation of the project provides documentary evidence, which inc ludes a debate about the respective merits of comprehensive-rational p lanning and disjointed incrementalism as the way to plan this highway. It is shown that such strategic projects are not and cannot be planne d incrementally. Analysis of this case suggests some conclusions conce rning the timing and practical consequences of the choice between plan ning models, and the potential of a contingent framework to link theor y to practice.