On the road to ruin - How America's infrastructure is failing
You’ve heard it before: America’s infrastructure is failing. Well, almost. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reiterated its nearly-failing grade for the country’s vital infrastructure: a D+.
The ASCE report comes out once every four years, and has become a familiar bearer of bad news. But the state of the country’s roads were the standout piece of bad news in 2017.
The report found that $2 trillion would be needed over the next 10 years to get US roads back in fighting shape.
[Image: Fortune]
And there’s more reason to do that than just a smoother drive. From the report:
More than two out of every five miles of America’s urban interstates are congested and traffic delays cost the country $160 billion in wasted time and fuel in 2014.
One out of every five miles of highway pavement is in poor condition and roads have a significant and increasing backlog of rehabilitation needs.
After years of decline, traffic fatalities increased by 7% from 2014 to 2015, with 35,092 people dying on America’s roads.
President Donald Trump’s plan to spend big on infrastructure may offer some much-needed relief. However, there are some concerns over his plan to try to build infrastructure like toll roads that would pay for itself, rather than just putting up the money.
What many experts are arguing for is far less 'spectacular' than revenue-generating megaprojects, but could save more money for taxpayers in the long-term: repairing the roads that already exist.
This article was written by:
- Nicolas Rapp, Information Graphics Designer, Fortune
- Anne VanderMey, Associate Editor, Fortune
This article is published in collaboration with Fortune.
Please find the original article here.
--Future of Construction 16:27, 15 Jun 2017 (BST)
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February