Editor’s Note: Funds needed to satisfy American’s love of the road

Funds needed to satisfy American’s love of the road

Sarah Wright | Editor

In the U.S., roads and bridges often serve as a continuation of our quest for freedom and adventure. They draw in tourists. Just look at the Tail of the Dragon (designated U.S. 129), which challenges drivers to navigate its 318 curves, all within 11 miles. Its website states it is the No. 1 motorcycle and sports car road. I’ve never been, but both my brother and my dad have navigated its curves — one by car, one by motorcycle — and both managed to not be added to the “Tree of Shame.” Hundreds of other Americans, meanwhile, chose to travel along the 2,400-mile-long Route 66, soaking up its varied scenery and stopping at its kitschy attractions.

Myths and legends sprout from our roadways. Epic songs also spring from them, celebrating the act of driving, our American roadways and, of course, our iconic cars. For my own trips, I have two bookends. To kick it off, “On the Road Again” with Willie Nelson. Then within the homestretch, it has to be “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. I may not be approaching West Virginia, but I’ve known my share of country roads along the way home.

Despite Americans’ love of the road, it is surprising that they should be rated a “D” on the Report Card for America’s Infrastructure; however, given the sheer size of our road infrastructure, it really isn’t. The scope requires a lot of funds to maintain, and for a good many years, available funds have been lacking. The 2021 report found, “The number of vehicle miles traveled on roads in ‘poor’ condition has risen from 15% to more than 17% over the last decade.” It also determined 43% of the U.S.’s public roadways are in poor or mediocre condition.

Bridges ranked marginally better with a “C.” The report states, “A recent estimate for the nation’s backlog of bridge repair needs is $125 billion. We need to increase spending on bridge rehabilitation from $14.4 billion annually to $22.7 billion annually, or by 58%, if we are to improve the condition.” It estimates that nearly 231,000 bridges in all 50 states need repair and preservation work. It’s a figure that really makes a person think as they drive over a bridge, especially considering the February 2022 collapse of a Pittsburgh, Pa., bridge.

In this issue, we’re traveling down a variety of roads and bridges. We are pleased to highlight the Cherokee Nation’s Fast Cast Bridge project that saw an entire bridge replaced in days versus months. We are spotlighting bridges from America’s past: the covered bridge. While not ideal for the mass transport, they have held a special place in our hearts, lasting for decades, and now drive tourism in several communities. We’re also looking at Boulder, Colo.’s, efforts to not only improve one of its corridors but make it safer for students with the help of a local school district. On a more techie side, Tampa, Fla., has unrolled a new solar pilot project to keep intersections supplied with power following storms, and Hoboken, N.J., is bringing electric vehicle charging infrastructures to drivers.

May your drives be clear of potholes as we slide further into 2023!