Divided Highways

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Anyone who has driven on a U.S. interstate or eaten at an exit-ramp McDonald's will gain a deeper understanding of modern America from this book. It offers a thoughtful analysis, infused with humor, of a subject central to contemporary life. The Interstate Highway System, the longest engineered structure in history, has profoundly influenced every aspect of American life. The author, an engaging prose stylist, provides a comprehensive examination of America's long-standing infatuation with automobiles and the relentless demand for improved road systems. He presents a lively narrative detailing the evolution of America's roadway system from one of the worst to the best in the world. The book recounts the successes of the U.S. federal highway program while also questioning the implications of these achievements. The author skillfully narrates the vision for the Interstates, the Congressional battles, and the impact of new highways on American life, essential for understanding the contemporary landscape. The story traces the development of the Interstate system, highlighting the demographic and economic pressures that shaped its planning and construction, as well as the conflicts between individuals and federal authorities. This updated edition brings the narrative to the present, addressing Boston's Big Dig project and the growing skepticism towards large federal infrastructure initiatives.