Should are highway infrastructure be expanded as our population grows?  This is a question that has two answers which depend on the time period.  The answer was yes post World War II and when the President Eisenhower signed the Interstate Act of 1956.  Then people started to realize the adverse effects of highway building and the answer became no.  The highway boom of the 40s, 50s and 60s vanished.

I think that highways as well as every other form of transportation should grow as  population grows.  If a system becomes out dated we need to improve or expand it. It is vital to further our economic development that are transportation systems are up to par with demand.  

Widening of the New Jersey Turnpike.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is leading the way with their Widening Program.  The NJ Turnpike will be widened between Interchange 6 in Mansfield Township, Burlington County and Interchange 9 in East Brunswick Township, Middlesex County. The roadway will be widened to 12 lanes with major modifications constructed at four interchanges.  Construction is planned to commence during 2009 with project completion in late 2014.  (http://www.njturnpikewidening.com/)

The authority understands that the turnpike is vital to the economic growth of New Jersey and that demand on the road is increasing.  This project will reduce congestion and give drivers a better driving experience.

I understand that this is controversial and that there are many problems with my above statements. I look forward to anyone’s remarks on this topic.  Should the Turnpike Authority widen their road?  Should we do it for any road?