Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Seeking the Next Interstate System, This Time Without Asphalt

84456523_f3128c7b09.jpgBlast from the past. (Photo: Payton Chung via Flickr)

The construction of the interstate highway system defined the landscape of late-20th-century America. What will be the transformative infrastructure of the 21st century?

As Noah Kazis wrote on Streetsblog NYC a couple of days ago, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) would like to think that it will be -- the interstate highway system.

But people who don't pour asphalt for a living have some other ideas. Portland Transport pointed us to a post on Richard Florida's blog in which he listed some ideas his readers had on the subject of change-making infrastructure for the future. They included high-speed rail, a universal broadband network, and denser, more walkable communities.

All of which sound pretty good. But it remains to be seen if any of those solutions have the kind of political muscle behind them that the highway lobby has enjoyed for the last half-century.

What do you think the defining infrastructure project of the 21st century will be, or should be? Are such grand projects even possible in the current economic and political climate?

More from around the network: Greater Greater Washington wonders if the  transit benefit for federal employees is a bad thing. Beyond DC discusses why growth doesn't cause congestion -- reliance on cars does. And M-Bike.org says the the Ride of Silence sends the wrong image about biking.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Live from New York (State), It’s Wednesday Night!

Hallelujah, congestion pricing now getting big laughs in Albany.

May 23, 2025

Friday Video: A Deep Dive on the Endless Debate Over Bike Helmets

Everything you need to know the next time someone asks you if you're "for" or "against" bike helmets.

May 23, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: John Mulaney, You Are Officially On Notice Edition

When did Netflix start airing community board meetings? Plus other news.

May 23, 2025

Assembly Member Ditches Her Car — and Discovers The Good Side of Albany

"I love Albany now," says the Greenpoint lawmaker, who ditched her car. Will others follow? Well, Gov. Hochul offered a start...

May 22, 2025

Public Demands Safer West Side Highway at Packed Workshop

Seemingly all in attendance agreed that the existing bike and pedestrian path isn't cutting it and ought to be expanded.

May 22, 2025
See all posts