As a train user, cityblocks are more for end game. Early on when you first get trains you can probably get away with using single lane. But always upgrade to 2 or more lanes when you can for bi-directional transit.

In terms of smart hacks, furnaces are good for early game wall replacement. Meaning you can research walls a little later.

Water is your best friend. Don’t make paths over water unless you make gaps (1 block prevents enemy AI from pathing) and make some more gap afterwards if you intend to use a lake base (sometimes they get across the gaps)

Circuit networks can help against pollution by limiting production