How to Fix the Highway System

Two major reports released in the last couple of weeks detail very different approaches to fixing the highway system in the U.S. At the National Journal, experts weigh in on who has the right approach.

1 minute read

May 8, 2010, 5:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

The debate is between a "Fix it First" policy as detailed by U.S. PIRG in their report Road Work Ahead: Holding Government Accountable for Fixing America's Crumbling Roads and Bridges, or a focus on relieving urban congestion as approached by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, in their report "Unlocking Gridlock."

Keith Laughlin, president of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, says, "Framing the issue as fix-it first vs. new highway capacity makes for a spirited debate, but leaves out some closely related elements of the equation, particularly (1) more effectively managing demand on existing highway capacity and (2) meeting increased demand for mobility through investments in expanding capacity in other transportation modes."

FULL STORY: How Should We Prioritize Highway Spending?

Friday, May 7, 2010 in National Journal Online

Infrastructure Transportation United States Transportation Funding

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.