The History of the Interstate Highway System

Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1938

Jun 8, 1938

This was the first attempt to create a national highway system in the United States and resulted in 26,700 miles of road.

Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1944

Dec 20, 1944

This legislation expanded to existing interstate network to 40,000 miles, but construction was slow making the application of the law almost irrelevant.

Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1954

Jul 11, 1954

Ike wanted a fast and easy way for military weapons and troops to be transported across the country based off the German autobahn. Under his administration, a bill was passed to put $175 million into the construction of a highway system.

Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956

Jun 29, 1956

This bill raised the price to $25 billion dollars to be invested into the national highway system and created a layout that still stands today including a minimum of two lanes in each direction on the highways and a speed limit between 50 and 70 mph.

Current Highway System

Feb 13, 2015

Thanks to Ike, the highway now impacts not only the travel of US citizens, but the transporation of consumer goods that affects every American.