Building on the Legacy of the Interstate System

Building on the Legacy of the Interstate System

Destinations Magazine

Back in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower had a vision of connecting America via a system of roads. Through his military background, President Eisenhower was inspired to bolster our national defense by allowing our military to move large numbers of personnel, equipment and supplies in a quick and effective manner. He also knew that these roads would benefit our economy and give Americans the ability to move freely through the nation. However, I don't think even he knew how much the interstate system, as it became known, would change the American way of life.

Running from east to west, the interstate system connects the cities and towns across the country, giving people more mobility and allowing commerce to move in a more cost-effective manner. For businesses, this has resulted in lower operating costs are that passed on to consumers through reduced prices on goods and services. For communities, it has inspired economic development, making real estate more attractive to homeowners and businesses. In turn, this has increased the revenue base of towns and cities near the interstate highways. But perhaps the biggest benefit of the interstate is the mobility it has given to Americans.

The interstate highway system has improved the quality of life in America by enabling us to get to our destinations faster and safer, freeing up additional time for preferred activities. We now have the freedom to travel throughout the country in a fraction of the time it would take on back roads. It also allows individuals to travel to their jobs in neighboring cities with ease, spurring the growth of suburbs across the country. And, because of the interstate system, we can hop in our car and get away from the daily grind on a relaxing, scenic road trip.

It used to be that Americans took the train to get to their vacation spot. However, the interstate gives people the ability to drive or take a bus to get away from it all. Today, more travelers use interstate highways to get to their vacation destinations than Amtrak or any other passenger rail.

The interstate system is the backbone of our nation's highway system. While it is just over 1 percent of the nation's highway system mileage, the interstate system carries nearly one quarter of all roadway traffic. However, for all its success, the interstate system is lacking in certain areas and in need of major investment.

This is why the reauthorization of TEA-21 (or the Highway Bill as it is commonly referred to) is one of the most important pieces of legislation we will deal with in the 108th Congress. It is our opportunity to make a substantial investment in our infrastructure, to repair the aging interstate system and expand on its legacy.

The interstate system is almost 50 years old and it is starting to show its age. The poor condition of our highways is resulting in the needless loss of lives, wasted motor fuel and the loss of productivity. Congress has been working to address these issues as we consider the reauthorization of TEA-21, but we must also take advantage of this opportunity to enhance the interstate system.

One way we can build on successes of the interstate system is to expand the system to include north-south corridors. We are connected from east to west, but lack interstate highways that allow people and commerce to move freely between our northern and southern borders. This is especially important in a post-NAFTA world. In order for companies to remain competitive they must be able to ship goods into and out of Canada and Mexico.

North-South corridors will benefit more than just our nation's shippers. Much like the interstate highways that connect the east and west coasts, north-south corridors will bring economic development and mobility to new parts of the nation. Business will spring-up with the increase in travelers along these corridors and area residents will have new, faster and safer routes to travel.

The interstate system has been an engine of progress for our nation. Mobility that we now take for granted exists because of an unprecedented investment in highway construction and modernization. The freedom to move throughout the country must not only be maintained, but also enhanced. We must take advantage of an opportunity that comes only once every 6 years and pass a Highway Bill that builds on the legacy of the interstate system.