In addition, nearly a third of California's bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Of those, more than 450 are posted to carry a lower weight and 52 are closed. The cost of neglecting these facilities is staggering. Meanwhile, more and more cars are pounding the pavement. This is in addition to the 29 percent increase of VMT that occurred between 1986 and 1996.
More people driving more miles on the same roads means more gridlock.
It's that simple. The report also found that approximately 215 transportation projects were needed for the region to help maintain the existing system and expand it to gain greater mobility. We benefit from the mobility afforded by a top-quality roads and highways in innumerable ways. Mobility gives us more productivity and more opportunity. It allows us to find better jobs and still spend more time with our families.