Rethinking The Interstate's State-Federal Relationship

As Interstate Highway System approaches the 50-years mark, the system's future is becoming a subject of growing discussion.

1 minute read

May 5, 2005, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

The National Commission will face a vastly different set of circumstances than those that prevailed twenty five years ago when the Interstate system was reaching completion. Since 1980, traffic on the Interstates has more than doubled --- from roughly 296 billion VMTs [vehicle-miles traveled] in 1980 to more than 702 billion VMTs in 2003--- while capacity of the system has remained virtually unchanged.

...Highway capacity will need to be expanded in critical places to keep pace with projected growth in vehicle-miles of personal travel and freight movements. Additionally, new infrastructure will have to be provided to accommodate emerging new population concentrations and changing travel patterns."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Beyond the Interstate Highway System: It May Be Time To Rethink The State-Federal Relationship

Wednesday, May 4, 2005 in Innovation Briefs

Transportation United States

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