The American Freeway: Socio-Economic, Cultural, and Racial Impacts in the Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Although a European invention, the United States has become the pinnacle of freeway construction. Freeways, limited access highways, or any synonym are roads that accommodate fast moving vehicles and nothing else, for the sake of efficient long-distance travel. A seemingly normal part of daily life to most, freeways have a very meaningful history. This paper examines the tremendous undertaking of the construction of the Interstate Highway System, and what followed in succession. From the creation of a car-dependent people to barriers against integration, freeways are extremely relevant in the United States’ modern history. Today, highways and freeways continue to perpetuate geographically based inequalities and disparities along racial lines. They also contribute to the burning of fossil fuels and destruction of natural habitats, two of the largest factors in the incredibly pressing issue of climate change. Their future remains uncertain, and this paper examines this using past instances of antifreeway movements. Solving the issue of freeways is vital to ensure equality and a high quality of life for all.