A Statement of National Highway Transportation Policy

The objective of highway transportation is to promote economic growth and social benefits. Congestion and accidents are symptoms of failure and must be eliminated. Each mode has certain advantages. The public is entitled to the inherent advantages of each. These can be achieved only if each mode is free to seek maximum patronage under conditions where costs are assessed among all who benefit. Streets and highways should be grouped into systems based on the function each performs. Planning concepts developed for urban areas can be extended beneficially to the entire highway network. The amount of highway funds should be dictated on how best to achieve goals. Distribution of funds within the network must be based on what is needed. Freeways are best able to ameliorate urban congestion and should be spaced to allow operating speeds above 35 mph during peak traffic periods. Street and free-way improvements should conform to community planning and urban renewal objectives. Time lost during off-peak periods should be rectified by innovative traffic engineering.