News Release

March 21, 2007

Contact
Stuart Anderson
515-239-1312
stuart.anderson@dot.iowa.gov

Iowa DOT reports on increased traffic demands

AMES, Iowa – It is easy to take Iowa 's roadway system for granted. Every day Iowans, whether by car, bus, bicycle, pickup truck, mini-van, sport-utility vehicle, motorcycle or truck, rely on Iowa 's 114,000-mile roadway system.

According to Iowa Department of Transportation Director Nancy Richardson, “Iowans rely on our state's roadway system to access medical care, purchase groceries, go to school, deliver corn to ethanol plants, transport goods, visit family, recreational travel and for many other activities.”

In 2006, there were nearly 31.6 billion miles traveled on Iowa 's roadways. This is equivalent to nearly 11,000 miles for every man, woman and child in the state. It is also equivalent to one person driving back and forth from Los Angeles to New York City more than 11,185 times in one year. That's a lot of mileage on Iowa 's roadways.

The modern roadway system has directly led to increased economic activity and consequently led to increased usage. Iowa has gone from a period of very little traffic in the early 1900s to nearly 31.6 billion miles of travel each year. This number reflects an increase of 280 percent from the amount of travel in 1960.

Over the last 20 years, travel on Iowa 's roadways has grown, on average, over 2 percent per year and this growth rate is expected to continue in the future.

With this increase in travel comes a need to increase the investment in Iowa 's roadway system. Transportation remains a critical component in the continued development of Iowa 's economy.

The demands on Iowa 's highway system, as well as the need to sustain and enhance Iowa 's economy, are reasons for a renewed commitment in roadway investment.

Over the next 20 years, Iowa 's roadways will experience a $4 billion shortfall in funding for their most critical construction and maintenance needs. Based on current projected revenues, Iowa will need an additional $200 million annually to meet these most critical needs and keep Iowa 's economy moving.

Without increased funding for Iowa 's roadways, the roadway system that Iowans rely on will continue to deteriorate and hinder expansion of Iowa 's economy. To learn more about Iowa 's roadway needs, visit www.iowadot.gov and click on the TIME-21 logo.

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