Americans value highways and bridges as a national treasure

New survey highlights public concerns for U.S. transportation infrastructure

A new survey from HNTB Corp. finds two-thirds (66%) of Americans who intend to vote during this year’s presidential election say that a candidate’s standing on U.S. transportation infrastructure will influence their decision, according to a May 18 press release. The survey results also noted that more than one in five (22%) say this will be “extremely influential” on who they vote for.

HNTB is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving public and private owners and contractors.

“Our highways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure are essential assets that support growth and investment in the U.S. economy,” said Pete Rahn, HNTB leader/national transportation practice. “People expect them to be resilient, reliable, and safe.”

According to the release, Americans hold the nation’s infrastructure in high regard. Nearly 9 in 10 (89%) Americans say it is important for the federal government to fund the maintenance and improvements of interstate highways.

More than half of Americans (57 percent) believe the nation’s infrastructure is underfunded. Overall, 4 in 5 (80 percent) Americans would rather increase funding and improve roads and bridges than continue current funding levels and risk allowing our roads and bridges deteriorate. The challenge is finding sustainable and sufficient revenue sources. More than 3 in 5 (61%) Americans would prefer to allocate funds for these projects through tolls, according to survey results.

Rahn said the expansion of tolling makes sense for busy highways and interstates. “It’s a proven source of funding that charges users on the road rather than at the pump. Plus, modern electronic tolling is quick and easy for motorists, allowing them to complete a transaction at highway speeds, no longer having to stop at toll booths.”

Source: PRWeb