Transportation officials from across the country are warning that the U.S. transportation system that supports the
movement of freight is facing a crisis and are urging new investments in roads and other transportation modes.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) released a study Thursday in Des
Moines showing that investments in roads, railroads, ports, waterways and airports are below what is needed.
AASHTO estimates that in 10 years, an additional 1.8 million trucks will be on the road. In 20 years, one truck
will be added for every two today, the say.
Major highway bottlenecks already are adding to the cost of food and other goods for American consumers, the
organization said.
AASHTO President Larry L. "Butch" Brown said in order to compete globally, officials will have to address the needs
for a freight economy and invest in new capacity.
"We've got to be able to move goods from A to B, regardless of where A is or B is in our country," Brown said.
The organization's recommendations include the expansion of the interstate system and upgrading many non-interstate
highways. AASHTO also is urging the development and funding of a strategic national freight program.
Another recommendation is investing in "intermodal connector" improvements. These are typically roads in older
industrial and residential neighborhoods that truckers use between highways and ports, rail terminals and air cargo
hubs, according to the report.
"If we want to keep our country moving, we've got to keep freight moving. It's as simple as that," said Iowa Department
of Transportation Director Nancy Richardson.
Richardson said the capacity and condition of the transportation system is at a tipping point and said the issue
matters in Iowa in order to move its products.
"If there are bottlenecks and there are condition and capacity issues on our road system or our rail system in other
parts of the country, those ultimately affect us and our ability to move our product out in a timely way, efficiently
and effectively," Richardson said.
She is hopeful the report will spur lawmakers, policy makers and citizens to demand increased investment in the
freight system.
（转自Pittsburgh Post-Gazette）