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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Construction's sustainability reporting revolution
Tracking upfront embodied carbon with digital tools.
ECA welcomes procurement reforms
Public spending must back British jobs and skills.
Campaigning for Edinburgh: the Cockburn Association 1875-2049
The role of the civic voice in protecting character. Book review.
CIOB photography competition is open for entries.
ECA Edmundson apprentice of the year award
Finalists announced.
Major new study exposes serious knowledge gaps.
Generating energy from internal light as well as sunshine.
ECA welcomes plans to strengthen subcontractor quality control.
Combining mid-career qualifications with experience broadens career opportunities.
Why being a mentor can help your career.
Channel 4 broadcaster to host 125th anniversary ceremony.
Listed structures on the rail network
Heritage interests and operational requirements must be balanced.