Interstate Highway Commision

HistoryDwight D. Eisenhower traveled with the First

Transcontinental Motor Convoy.1919Washington, DC to San FranciscoConvoy traveled 3251 milesOver half was over dirt roads, wagon trails,

desert sand, and mountain passesTook 62 days to complete

Lincoln HighwayFirst national memorial to President LincolnDedicated in 1913First Transcontinental Highway in the USOriginally ran from New York City, to San

FranciscoDeveloped by Carl Fisher

GermanyGeneral Eisenhower led the invasion into

NAZI GermanyAutobahn served as inspiration

Built in the 1930’s4 lane highway with no intersections

Federal Aid Highway Act 1956Eisenhower Created the National System of Interstate

and Defense HighwaysTraffic speeds increased from 50 mph to 70

mphNo intersections, traffic signals, or rail

crossings

HighwaysOver 46,000 miles of highways55,000 bridgesOver 14,000 interchangesCovers 1% of US but carries 20% of traffic

ImpactAccessibilityEncouraged DevelopmentTravel time reliabilityDecreased rail travelLowered consumer pricesIncreased consumer options