What’s happening: As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, ARTBA yesterday unveiled a sweeping list of 250 transportation improvements that have fueled U.S. economic growth and enhanced quality of life during the past two and a half centuries.

Why it matters: From colonial roads and canals to railroads, bridges, ports and waterways, airports, rail and transit systems, and Interstate highways, the featured projects transformed a nascent nation of 13 colonies into a world superpower. The collection covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

How they were chosen: While thousands of transportation projects from coast to coast have contributed to the tapestry of the American experience, the projects highlighted teach a timeless lesson that strategic infrastructure investment pays dividends for many decades.

The list was developed based on responses to a national survey sent to transportation design and construction firms, state transportation departments, state construction associations, university professors, and construction industry journalists. The projects, systems and facilities were selected based on their significant impacts on overall quality of life, including mobility, safety, and economic growth.

What’s next: ARTBA will share the list with policymakers on Capitol Hill and the executive branch to reinforce the importance of continued, strong federal transportation investment. Check out the full list to learn more about the projects in your state.

Related News

June 2, 2026

Key Permitting Dispute Heads to Supreme Court

What happened: ARTBA and industry coalition partners weighed in with the U.S. Supreme…

Learn More
May 13, 2026

Transportation Construction Coalition Leads Opposition to Federal Gas Tax Holiday

What happened: Speaking with a united voice, the ARTBA co-led Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC),…

Learn More
May 13, 2026

ARTBA Chair & U.S. DOT Secretary Discuss America’s Transportation Infrastructure at TCC Fly-In

  What happened: U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and ARTBA Chair Tony Fassino…

Learn More