Richard Weingroff

Please state your name and tell us about your background.

My name is Richard Weingroff. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors degree in English. I spent 4 years in the Air force and in 1973 I I began work with Federal Highway Administration as a correspondence expert. I worked with Congress and the public. I had always had an interest in history, so I decided to combine this with my job and become the associations unofficial historian. My primary job is to write correspondents for the Highway Agency.

What aspects of the Interstate System are you passionate about?

Even though Im not much of a traveler, I do enjoy using the interstate on a day-to-day basis. Ive enjoyed watching the evolution of the Interstate, from its start in the 30s to the famous Federal Highway Act of 1956. At that time, everybody loved the new interstate system.

What pieces needed to be in place before we could have an interstate system?

Our roads in the 1930s were all 2 lane, and there was no control of access. Your driveway could open up into the interstate, and people wanted a more convenient, toll free highway. In 1944, congress approved the interstate and gave funds for the rural areas of the United States. They had a concept set up, but states didnt prioritize it because they wanted to spend money on local needs. When Eisenhower took office, he brought these problems to the forefront. Once he submitted the proposal, there was a lot of debate. Everyone wanted to build it, but no one wanted to pay for it

What, specifically, happened that made the US say We need these roads now?

In the 1950s , people loved their cars. Families would hop in the car and drive across the country for vacation. Everybody loved automobiles. Another factor was the election of Dwight Eisenhower. This sealed the deal for new road construction.

How much did the interstate initially cost?

The estimated cost in 1955 was 27 billion, although the total money spent as of the 1990s is about 130 million dollars.

What would have happened if the Federal Highway Act hadnt been passed?

Im sure the Government would have made the system eventually. The need for roads wasnt something you could ignore at that time. Hypothetically, though, if it had never happened, we wouldnt be the mobile country that we are today. We can move around the US with ease thanks to the Federal Highway act. Thats something that we often take for granted.

What lies in the future for interstates?

In 1956, the government agreed to a specific plan for interstates. That plan ended in 1997, so the project should be over, right? It isnt! Interstate Roads are still being built around the nation. Businesses need these roads, and citizens need these roads. We need to preserve them to protect the continual investment made over the last 70 years. I cant imagine a time in the future where the interstate wont be the backbone of our transportation system. As far as I know, there isnt an invention out there that can make that happen.

Thank you.