Birthdays and anniversaries are unique occasions in many families, especially when they involve the 50-year milestone. These kinds of events are marked in a variety of ways, and the activities associated with them can last from a day to a week or more. However, other notable anniversaries may pass with little recognition, even when fanfare may be much deserved.
That’s the case with the manner in which America is now remembering what has often been described as the “greatest public works projects in history.” This project, which is still being expanded and enhanced, was initiated in 1956 by numerous transportation visionaries, political leaders, and business entrepreneurs. Today, it affects the daily lives of almost all Americans, and yet the fact that it’s been around half a century probably goes unnoticed by most of our population.
Although the exact 50th anniversary date will not arrive until June 29, 2006, the kick off for the celebration began some six weeks ago. Do you recall the hoopla related to this event? That’s alright if you don’t, because it occurred during the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board in Washington, DC at a local hotel, and most people probably didn’t notice.
But on that occasion, a large red ribbon was cut to open the door and pave the way for Americans to remember the past and celebrate the future of a unique “symbol of freedom.”
In case you haven’t figured it out by now, let me bring you up to date. To connect our country to the world economy and to provide special avenues over which military personnel and supplies could readily be transported from coast to coast, the National Defense Highway Act was passed in 1956, and a 40,000 mile highway system was devised. Up until that point, the US was basically a rail transportation nation.
At that time, no other state had a larger stake in the success of the plan or could envision the tremendous benefits it could bring than Texas. Approximately 2,900 miles of new roadway was to be constructed in the Lone Star State, which was already well known for its system of excellent highways. Today, there are more than 3,233 miles of this thoroughfare traversing Texas’ vast expanses along 17 different routes, some 800 more miles than in California, which has the second most miles of highway in the US.
This engineering marvel, which stands as a tribute to thousands of dedicated planners, engineers, and construction crews, has cost somewhere in the range of $420 billion. A hefty price, but well worth the investment. For over the past half century, this project has contributed almost $2.8 trillion just to the economy of Texas. Last year, this system of roadways is estimated to have helped boost the state’s economy by about $104 billion.
By now, you’ve probably guessed what I’m talking about—our interstate highways. They are officially known as The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways in honor of President Eisenhower’s leadership in getting the project rolling. Without this system of highways, life in the US would probably be quite different and getting from one place to another would undoubtedly be more risky, take longer, and possibly be less enjoyable.
In essence, interstate highways have enriched all our lives, improved national security, and given our nation a tremendous advantage in international competitiveness. They have provided five decades of enhanced safety, mobility, and economic expansion.
In Texas, the interstate system represents about two percent of all overall roadway lane miles, but carries approximately 22% of all traffic. More than $100 billion of the state’s exports travel along this highly efficient network annually.
Some estimates suggest that without the interstate system, Texas would have 1.6 million fewer wage and salary workers, and our economy would have been $650 billion smaller—just for 2005 alone. The rate of return on this investment of public resources has been outstanding.
I’m pleased our nation and our state has had so many forward-thinking people who have recognized the value of transportation to our way of living. Without them, we may not have had the interstate highway system, which is perhaps the best investment our nation has ever made. Even as it celebrates its Golden Anniversary, increasing congestion is compelling a similar visionary approach to future infrastructure needs. Nonetheless, this milestone is a cause worthy of national pomp and circumstance.