Citation

Michel HL. J. Prof. Iss. Eng. Educ. Pract. 1995; 121(2): 123-125.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, American Society of Civil Engineers)

DOI

10.1061/(ASCE)1052-3928(1995)121:2(123)

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The progress of civilization is linked to the successful development and evolution of transportation modes and methodologies. The rise of a great society, from ancient times to the present day, was and is dependent upon its ability to carry on trade and commerce across national frontiers and international borders. Although new technological developments have always been and will always be criticized by skeptics, usually expounding dire (and often baseless) consequences, history shows that nations failing to create, upgrade, and maintain their transportation infrastructure eventually decline, are eclipsed, and sometimes disappear from the world stage. As the 21st century dawns, innovative approaches must be developed and continuously refined to effectively balance available modal choices to secure a foothold within the rapidly evolving transnational network, ensuring a healthy economy that also addresses environmental and societal concerns. However, this will not be possible without a strong leadership willing to invest the necessary resources and capital, both public and private, for conducting research and development and financing new projects.