NPR Series: Highway System at 50 https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5515154 Follow NPR coverage of the golden anniversary of federal legislation that sparked an economic and travel revolution -- and also led to some unanticipated consequences, for good and ill. en Copyright 2024 NPR - For Personal Use Only Story API Shim 1.2.24 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:38:53 -0400 https://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/primary/npr_generic_image_300.jpg?s=200 NPR Series: Highway System at 50 https://www.npr.org/series/5515154/highway-system-at-50 Engineering Gems of the U.S. Highway System In honor of the interstate highway system's 50th anniversary, we talk to three engineers about their favorite parts of the system. Thu, 29 Jun 2006 16:26:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5522133/engineering-gems-of-the-u-s-highway-system https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5522133/engineering-gems-of-the-u-s-highway-system In honor of the interstate highway system's 50th anniversary, we talk to three engineers about their favorite parts of the system.

]]> American Highways and Roadside Attractions A look at five decades of roadside America. Guests discuss the impact that the interstate system has had on the American economy, landscape, lifestyle and culture. Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:15:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5521352/american-highways-and-roadside-attractions https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5521352/american-highways-and-roadside-attractions A look at five decades of roadside America. Guests discuss the impact that the interstate system has had on the American economy, landscape, lifestyle and culture.

]]> Visions of America's Transportation Future On the golden anniversary of the the interstate highway system, planners are asking what the next 50 years will bring -- and there are signs the system will be bigger, faster and even more efficient. But critics say alternative travel modes are being ignored. Thu, 29 Jun 2006 09:20:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5521245/visions-of-americas-transportation-future https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5521245/visions-of-americas-transportation-future On the golden anniversary of the the interstate highway system, planners are asking what the next 50 years will bring -- and there are signs the system will be bigger, faster and even more efficient. But critics say alternative travel modes are being ignored.

]]> Scott Horsley Highways Change the Face of America The interstate highway system is the result of the largest earth-moving project in human history -- so large that it's been called the "51st state." The system accelerated suburban development, changed shipping, leisure travel and American culture as a whole. Thu, 29 Jun 2006 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5520404/highways-change-the-face-of-america https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5520404/highways-change-the-face-of-america The interstate highway system is the result of the largest earth-moving project in human history -- so large that it's been called the "51st state." The system accelerated suburban development, changed shipping, leisure travel and American culture as a whole.

]]> Frank Morris Tuned into Driving Along in Our Automobiles The interstates have had a profound effect on our culture. They affect where we live, what we eat and most definitely the sounds we listen to when we get our motors running and head out on the highway. Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/28/5518261/tuned-into-driving-along-in-our-automobiles https://www.npr.org/2006/06/28/5518261/tuned-into-driving-along-in-our-automobiles

The interstates have had a profound effect on our culture. They affect where we live, what we eat and most definitely the sounds we listen to when we get our motors running and head out on the highway.

]]> Steve Proffitt A Road System's Unintended Consequences Without our interstate highway system, the United States would have far fewer suburbs, fewer fast-food joints, and "just-in-time" production would be all but unknown in America. The second of a four-part series explores how the vast road system has changed America, for good or ill. Tue, 27 Jun 2006 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/27/5515361/a-road-systems-unintended-consequences https://www.npr.org/2006/06/27/5515361/a-road-systems-unintended-consequences

Without our interstate highway system, the United States would have far fewer suburbs, fewer fast-food joints, and "just-in-time" production would be all but unknown in America. The second of a four-part series explores how the vast road system has changed America, for good or ill.

(Image credit: Stefan Zaklin/Getty Images)

]]> Adam Burke Connecting the Coasts: A Road Revolution This week marks the 50th anniversary of legislation that created the nation's interstate highway system. It couldn't come at a better time for America -- drivers were growing frustrated by the lack of roads and the congestion in the cities. Mon, 26 Jun 2006 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/26/5511734/connecting-the-coasts-a-road-revolution https://www.npr.org/2006/06/26/5511734/connecting-the-coasts-a-road-revolution This week marks the 50th anniversary of legislation that created the nation's interstate highway system. It couldn't come at a better time for America -- drivers were growing frustrated by the lack of roads and the congestion in the cities.

]]> Steve Proffitt