The Highway Systems Act

The Highway Systems Act, enacted in the U.S. in 1956, established the Interstate Highway System, creating a network of high-capacity roads across the country. It aimed to improve transportation efficiency, enhance national defense, and promote economic growth by connecting cities and regions. Funded primarily through federal gasoline taxes, this law allowed for the construction and maintenance of 41,000 miles of interstate highways. The system plays a crucial role in modern transportation, enabling quicker travel for both goods and people, and has significantly influenced urban development and travel patterns across the nation.