Interstate highways need $1.1 trillion over 20 years

Bridge repairs, lane expansions require federal dollars

Posted 7/14/20

Our 64-year-old interstate highway system needs billions of dollars.

To be exact, $57 billion a year or $1.1 trillion is needed over the next 20 years..

But can the US afford it …

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Interstate highways need $1.1 trillion over 20 years

Bridge repairs, lane expansions require federal dollars

Posted

Our 64-year-old interstate highway system needs billions of dollars.

To be exact, $57 billion a year or $1.1 trillion is needed over the next 20 years..

But can the US afford it after spending $3 trillion for covid-19 recovery?

Yet that's the assessment of TRIP, a national transportation research non-profit.
The interstates' challenges are increasing congestion, unprecedented travel - particularly by large trucks - and insufficient money for repair and improvements. 
The report concludes that annual investment in the system should be increased from $23 billion in 2018 to $57 billion annually over the next 20 years.

A large part of revenue from SC's gas tax increase is gong to interstate improvements.
“South Carolina’s economy runs most safely and efficiently for cars and trucks - whether for commuters, tourists, or businesses – with a modern and well-maintained Interstate system,” said Rick Todd, president and CEO of the SC Trucking Association.
 “The longer Congress kicks the can down the deteriorating road, the more expensive and divisive it’s going to be for the nation and the states.”

TIP reported 46% of SC's interstate bridges are more than 50 years old and 9% need repair.
Vehicle traffic is up 35% this year, 9% of it from trucks,
Almost half are congested around Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce and other SC cities where lane expansion is needed.

Interstate design with a  minimum of 4 lanes, paved shoulders and median barriers makes South Carolina’s Interstates safer to travel than other roads. 
The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles on South Carolina’s Interstate in 2018 was 0.87 – the 6th highest in the US compared to 2.20 on the state’s non-Interstate routes. 
TRIP estimates interstate safety features in South Carolina saved 248 lives in 2018.

 

Interstates, bridges, repairs, congestion

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