Congestion's stranglehold

Federal Highway Administration administrator Mary Peters said in recent testimony before Congress that growth in traffic congestion is “a growing threat to the nation's economy and to the quality of life of all Americans.”

Testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Highways and Transit in late May, Peters said congestion must be addressed with a long-term strategy.

“Unless we manage congestion,” stated Peters, “our nation will continue to incur economic costs in forgone productivity, wasted fuel, and a reduced quality of life. Strategic expansion of our transportation system capacity is necessary.”