Bridges are essential to any transportation system within a state. Businesses, drivers and governments rely on the bridges, highways and roads to operate daily and provide essential services for the state. As Louisiana modernizes, the number of people driving cars will continue to increase. According to the 2018 TRIP Report, the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in Louisiana increased 20% from 2000 to 2016, from 40.9 million VMT to 49.2 million VMT. Increased VMT will only speed up the already decaying bridge system within the state.
Not only does better infrastructure benefit those already within the state, but it helps attract prospective businesses to Louisiana as well. When deciding to relocate or expand, businesses seriously consider how smooth and well-maintained roads and bridges are due to the maintenance problems poorly maintained roads can cause. As reported in the 2018 TRIP Report, the Federal Highway Administration estimates that each dollar spent on road, highway and bridge improvements results in an average benefit of $5.20 in the form of reduced vehicle maintenance costs, reduced delays, reduced fuel consumption, etc.
Bridges and all forms of infrastructure are key in attracting new businesses and jobs to Louisiana. Not only does it make daily life for Louisianians easier, but it can increase the number of jobs and GDP level in the state. Highway accessibility was ranked number one on site selection in a 2017 survey of corporate executives by Area Development Magazine. Increased funding for infrastructure improvement in Louisiana will have much larger impacts on the state than just smoother roads.
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