Report Finds Some Road Construction Projects Not Worth the Wait

A new report finds that motorists can lose more time in road construction delays than they will save in years of driving on the newly “improved” road. The national report, Road Work Ahead: Is Construction Worth the Wait’ by the Surface Transportation Policy Project, is being released Thursday and uses case studies to examine whether road expansion projects are ultimately worth the wait for drivers. The study found that construction delays can be so long, and the time savings from the expanded road so small, that it can take years for commuters to break even. This report shows the drawbacks of using road construction as the only solution to easing congestion. Transportation officials should first try fighting congestion in ways that are less expensive, just as effective, and help drivers right now. STPP suggests clearing accidents more quickly, increasing train and bus service, and building communities so people can drive less. The STPP report recommends that transportation officials tell citizens how road building plans will affect their commute, and that construction delays be taken into account in calculating the benefits of roads. It also suggests methods to reduce congestion delays.