March 7, 2006 - This year marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Interstate Highway System, which is considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century. Local and federal transportation officials across the nation will host events commemorating the anniversary.

When the system was started, major issues that had to be addressed included choosing the most efficient routes between major cities and determining revenue sources for construction. Today, new challenges confront transportation officials, such as figuring out the best ways to accommodate increased traffic volume due to a larger population and growing freight transportation. Other challenges include maintaining current highways and considering the community and ecological impacts of future highway construction and modification.

A number of recent National Research Council reports address issues related to the nation's highways. Assessing and Managing the Ecological Impact of Paved Roads recommends addressing ecological concerns at broader scales and earlier in the road planning process than previously considered. Measuring International Trade on U.S. Highways addresses issues related to state allocations of federal funds based on volume and value of international freight transportation.

• Assessing and Managing the Ecological Impact of Paved Roads (2005)
• Measuring International Trade on U.S. Highways (2005)
• Transportation Research Board, Ignition, 10th issue (2005)

• The Interstate Highway System
• Interstate 50th Anniversary
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Interstate
• The Federal Highway Administration