Outcomes of the Federal Highway Program: Inequality and Polarization

It's a vicious cycle: highways enable white flight, establishing a power base for a political party opposed to urban transportation systems.

1 minute read

March 28, 2018, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Highway Living

Tim Roberts Photography / Shutterstock

An article by Melissa de Witte introduces The Road to Inequality: How the Federal Highway Program Polarized America and Undermined Cities, a new book by Clayton Nall.

The main premise of the book: that the federal highway program of the 1950s enabled residential migration at a scale that polarized the nation between liberal cities and more conservative suburban areas. "In turn, this polarization created partisan differences about how to implement transportation policy – think highways, mass transit and trains – in communities across the country," writes de Witte.

The bulk of the article is devoted to an interview with Nall, with a conversation that delves into the inspiration for the book, myths of transportation policy, and the stakes for the country in the ongoing political debate about how the nation prioritizes transportation investments.

Monday, March 26, 2018 in Stanford News

portrait of professional woman

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

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog