GRIDLOCK

The article describes how traffic congestion, which will grow worse in the coming decade, is hampering Americans' cherished mobility and changing the way they travel and do business. The reason for the congestion is the rapid growth in airplane and auto traffic, which is partly the result of deregulated airfares and 6 years of economic expansion. During this time, roadways and runways have not been expanded or increased. Also, many existing ones need upgrading. Congestion is boosting the total cost of moving people and goods. The article notes that existing highways need to be rebuilt and repaved so that they can carry more volume. Many highways should have extra lanes and wider shoulders. Planners are studying ways to build a double-decker section of the Ventura Freeway. Other efforts in Chicago are noted. The need to rehabilitate bridges is also noted. Congestion has inspired some cities to launch bold new mass transit building programs. But, it is noted, mass transit is not a cure-all and often proves inefficient in America's sprawling suburbs. To get cars off the highways, businesses and government need to find more ways to discourage driving. Fuel tax, and restriction of more lanes to car-pool vehicles are suggested as disincentives to using the automobile. Ways of relieving congestion at airports are also noted.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0040781X
• Corporate Authors:

  Time Incorporated

  Time and Life Building, 1271 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, NY  United States  10020
• Authors:
  • Koepp, S
• Publication Date: 1988-9-12

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 52-60
• Serial:
  • Time
  • Volume: 132
  • Issue Number: 11
  • Publisher: Time Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0040-781X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airports; Automobile travel; Bridges; Carpools; Commuting; Deregulation; Disincentives; Driver rehabilitation; Fuels; Highways; Improvements; Overpasses; Public transit; Taxation; Traffic congestion; Travel budgets; Travel costs
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rehabilitation
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Aviation; Bridges and other structures; Energy; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Terminals and Facilities; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00476724
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 31 1988 12:00AM