Interstate Highway System Overview

The National Interstate and Defense Highways Act of 1956 was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, marking the start of the largest public works project at the time. With 65 million cars on the road and projections for 90 million by 1975, the Act allocated $51 billion to build a 41,000-mile highway system, shifting freight transport from rail to road. Funded primarily by the federal government, the system was justified as a defense measure linking Air Force bases. Today, the interstate system spans over 46,000 miles, facilitating travel and commerce across the nation.

What was the primary reason for the creation of the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act of 1956?

• To reduce traffic congestion in cities

• To connect major tourist attractions

• To accommodate the growing number of cars

• To improve public transportation

Who signed the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act into law?

• President Harry S. Truman

• President John F. Kennedy

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt

• President Dwight D. Eisenhower

How much funding did the Act initially provide for the interstate highway system?

• $75 billion

• $51 billion

• $25 billion

• $10 billion

What economic condition in the 1950s and 60s helped fund the interstate highway system?

• Economic prosperity

• Deflation

• High unemployment

• Economic recession

What was the primary rationale for diverting defense funding to build highways?

• To promote urban development

• To connect Air Force bases

• To improve tourism

• To reduce pollution

What percentage of the interstate construction cost was funded by the federal government?

• 50%

• 70%

• 100%

• 90%

How were states required to contribute to the funding of the interstate highway system?

• By issuing bonds

• Through new taxes on fuel and vehicles

• By reducing other state expenditures

• By borrowing from the federal government

How are even-numbered interstates designed to travel across the United States?

• In a circular pattern

• Diagonally

• East to west

• North to south

What is the current total mileage of the American interstate highway system?

• 55,000 miles

• 41,000 miles

• 50,000 miles

• 46,876 miles

What major change did the interstate highway system bring to the nation's freight transportation?

• From air-based to rail-based

• From ship-based to air-based

• From rail-based to truck-based

• From truck-based to ship-based