America's Transportation Network: Developing the Vision for Tomorrow

In this article, the author contends that a new vision is needed for America's transportation network. The 50th year anniversary of the Interstate Highway System offers an appropriate moment to recognize that while the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 laid the foundation for the highway system, subsequent legislation, such as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, TEA 2, and the 2005 Federal Highway and Transit Program Reauthorization bill SAFETEA-LU have helped to ensure continued improvements to the infrastructure. However, a 225% increase in the past 30 years in the number of vehicles on the nation's highways, and a 550% increase in heavy truck traffic in the same time period, have resulted in ever-increasing congestion and serious safety issues, and will ultimately impact the economy. The author, in suggesting a future transportation vision that must be safe, efficient, reliable, and economically competitive, promotes the construction of dedicated truck lanes on selected corridors. He encourages the development of a national freight policy that would include new freight distribution centers that are accessible by rail, maritime, and truck transportation. Additional components of the new vision would include air/rail links to reduce airport congestion, integrated ports of entry to ensure security, and public or urban transit that would bridge the gap between home and public transit.