Bringing our highways up to par would create more than 1 million jobs a year and leave behind real assets for future generations. That is why LIUNA is calling on Congress to pass a new Surface Transportation Bill.

Bridges
Our nation was horrified when on August 1, 2007 the I-35W bridge crossing the Mississippi River in Minnesota collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring more than 100 people. The bridge had been declared structurally deficient 17 years earlier - but like 26 percent of America’s bridges, it was neglected. The cost in lives and of replacing the I-35W span is symbolic of bridges across America. To properly repair bridges is significantly less costly than replacing them - taxpayers incurred a $234 million bill to replace the I-35W bridge, which could have been saved.

Roads
Traffic congestion costs commuters and businesses $170 billion a year due to 4 billion hours in delays, the DOT’s chief economist has determined. The cost is growing at twice the rate of the economy, placing a significant drag on competitiveness. Roadways in poor condition and over capacity cost American drivers $67 billion per year in repairs and operating costs, and cost 14,000 Americans their lives annually. The state of our roadways doesn't just cost time and money - experts say it contributes to a third of all traffic fatalities.

Rail Freight and Transit
The capacity of America’s rail system is failing to keep up with our needs for both freight and commuter transit. For America to continue competing in a global economy we must make sure that goods can be quickly and efficiently transported. This is becoming increasingly difficult given the lack of investment to improve our freight rail system. Deteriorating rail transportation is forcing more trucks and cars onto our roadways, exacerbating traffic congestion.

Aviation
Inadequate airport capacity and outdated air traffic control technologies are contributing to record flight cancellations and delays. The FAA estimates that over one billion people will travel on commercial airlines annually over the next ten years. To get them where they are going on time and safely, our country will have to better support air traffic.

Where do we start?

• Invest in rebuilding our nation’s highways, roads, bridges, and rail systems through the 2010 Surface Transportation Bill reauthorization.
• Create a National Infrastructure Bank with a multi-year dedicated investment stream that will provide long-term funding for America’s basics.
• Support aviation safety and capacity by investing in the Airport Improvement Program for the construction and improvement of airports.

Resources

State of the States 2010. Pew Research Center.

Highway Bridge Program Clearer Goals and Performance Measures Needed for a More Focused and Sustainable Program. Government Accountability Office.

Look Out Below! America's Infrastructure Is Crumbling. Pew Research Center.

Visioning Transportation's Future. Brookings Institution.

Down By The Station: Exploring the Benefits of Rail Transit in the 21st Century. Brookings Institution.

2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. ASCE.