Spending more on synchronized traffic lights, computerized systems to route traffic around congested areas, and using reversible commuter lanes and moveable barriers during peak travel times will help. But in some instances, America's over-stressed road system needs additional capacity at key points, the study said. Reconstruction projects and other traffic flow improvement efforts are planned or under way at a number of the 18 bottleneck sites. Steve Hayes, a spokesman for the American Automobile Association, said the study focuses attention on expanding the capacity of America's road system. They certainly have a point that attention needs to be paid, and especially to these bottlenecks.
Money needs to be invested in alternative transit like buses or commuter trains.
New roads act as magnets for cars. People see this uncongested road and they opt out of taking the train, riding the bus and walking. You end up with more people driving more miles. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.