Our vast network of highways, which account for 90 percent of travel and 80
percent by value of freight traffic goods movement, is deteriorating. If
current trends continue, a major proportion of the Interstate pavement will
have deteriorated by the end of the 1980's.
Arresting the deterioration of the nation's system of highways is a high
priority objective for the 1980's. We must reorient the Federal mission
from major new construction projects to the stewardship of the existing
Interstate Highway System. Interstate gaps should be judged on the
connections they make and on their compatibility with community needs.
During this decade, highway investments will be needed to increase
productivity, particularly in the elimination of bottlenecks, provide more
efficient connections to ports and seek low-cost solutions to traffic
demand.
My Administration has therefore recommended redefining completion of the
Interstate system, consolidating over 27 categorical assistance programs
into nine, and initiating a major repair and rehabilitation program for
segments of the Interstate system. This effort should help maintain the
condition and performance of the Nation's highways, particularly the
Interstate and primary system; provide a realistic means to complete the
Interstate system by 1990; ensure better program delivery through
consolidation, and assist urban revitalization. In addition, the Congress
must address the urgent funding problems of the highway trust fund, and the
need to generate greater revenues.