The cost of major highway projects in the U.S. is adding up, with billions allocated for projects like widening Interstate 15 in Utah, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
Despite global concerns about climate change and a shift away from automobiles in some regions, the U.S. continues to invest in and expand highways.
According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, there are at least seven federally funded highway projects scheduled for fiscal year 2023, totaling nearly $16 billion. These projects, including ones in Maine, Utah, and Texas, have been criticized for their negative impacts on local communities and the environment.
Efforts are being made to mitigate these impacts, with the Biden administration awarding over $3.3 billion in grants to communities affected by highway construction. The goal is to reconnect these communities through highway removal, rehabilitation, and mitigation.
Some lawmakers are pushing for legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the national highway network, as transportation accounts for a significant portion of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide.
Other countries, like Canada and France, are shifting away from car-centric infrastructure in favor of more sustainable modes of transport like walking and cycling. These efforts are aimed at combating climate change and reducing emissions.
In the U.S., calls for rethinking highway expansion and investing in greener alternatives are growing. Experts emphasize the need to address the main sources of emissions and prioritize sustainable transportation solutions to combat climate change effectively.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
