This Memorial Day weekend millions of Americans will notice first-hand the poor state of our infrastructure. According to AAA, 39 million people are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, the highest volume in 12 years, USA Today reports:
That represents an increase of 1 million more travelers — 2.7% — this year than last Memorial Day weekend. It represents the third consecutive year that U.S. travelers have been on the move for 50 miles or more over this holiday weekend.
“The expected spike in Memorial Day travel mirrors the positive growth seen throughout the travel industry this year,” Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of Travel and Publishing, said in a written statement. “Higher confidence has led to more consumer spending, and many Americans are choosing to allocate their extra money on travel this Memorial Day.”
Our infrastructure isn’t stopping millions of people from traveling this holiday weekend, but won’t be as safe and efficient as it could be if we invested more in highways, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Earlier this year, the American Society for Civil Engineers gave U.S. infrastructure an overall D grade. Specifically, roads earned only a D, and bridges did better with a C+. For those traveling by air, aviation received a low D grade.
It’s obvious we need to do more to improve our infrastructure. The solutions to fixing our infrastructure system are there. What’s needed are policymakers in Washington turning those ideas into action to make travel—whether it’s for pleasure or business—easier, safer, and more efficient.
About the authors
Sean Hackbarth
Sean writes about public policies affecting businesses including energy, health care, and regulations. When not battling those making it harder for free enterprise to succeed, he raves about all things Wisconsin (his home state) and religiously follows the Green Bay Packers.
