Backlog of Road Needs - 65% of all roadway pavements are in unacceptable condition. Sound asset management and preserving the road infrastructure requires strategies that will improve and maintain the overall condition of roads at an *acceptable level.

Preventative Treatments - In order to maintain the NPS road system in acceptable condition and protect the investment, the NPS must provide an aggressive preventative treatment program. This program will extend the life of these transportation systems, and save substantial amounts of money by avoiding full reconstruction costs.

Environmental Impacts - The air quality in 30 parks is considered to be poor. As roadway congestion worsens, noise, air and water pollution levels increase. Off-road parking in undesignated, resource sensitive areas creates significant natural and cultural resource impacts. Deploying additional alternative transportation systems reduces roadway congestion and environmental impacts.

Although the parks are not the primary sources of the pollution, the NPS along with FHWA are taking steps of mutual interest to be leaders in showcasing methods and technologies to reduce pollution in and around parks and the country.

Safety - The NPS must improve safety and reduce traffic related injuries and property damage. As traffic congestion increases and transportation systems maintenance needs are deferred, the safety of park visitors is at increased risk. Currently, approximately $187 million or more in traffic related injuries and property damage are incurred annually. This can be reduced by continuing to apply modern, state of the art engineering and safety design standards, systematically eliminating conditions that may contribute to accidents, and implementing enforcement and training campaigns.
Construction and reconstruction of transportation systems must be managed to ensure that the visitor can access the park in a safe and enjoyable fashion.

Transportation Planning and Management Systems - The NPS needs to expand its efforts to incorporate sound transportation

Traffic Congestion - Rocky
Mountain National Park

planning strategies into all Park General Management Plans. Management systems should influence annual expenditures and track how well NPS is meeting its goals.

Future Planning - National parks are loved by the American people. Currently 285 million people visit national parks each year, a number nearly equivalent to the entire U.S. population. Visitation is expected to increase to 367 million by 2020. Our first challenge for the future is restoring, building and reshaping the transportation system to keep pace with visitation while continuing to balance resource protection.

New advances in technology are available to help us meet these challenges. For instance, computer technology, electronics, automation, along with quieter engines and low emission fuels will help to improve NPS transportation system efficiency and effectiveness. Integrating transportation systems with fuel efficient buses, trains, ferries and electronic messaging signs provide visitors alternatives for their convenience and enjoyment.

Neighborhood partnerships must expand and grow. Joint transportation projects built with local gateway communities help sustain economic development, at the same time giving the public a transportation choice that will result in reduced traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, while improving the park experience and the quality of life.

Parkways - Numerous parkways located in metropolitan areas are commuter routes. High traffic volume usually results in a comparably high rate of traffic accidents. Three perfect examples of this are the Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Baltimore-Washington Memorial Parkway. All three funnel commuters into the Nation's Capital. They also have the top accident rates of any NPS roads.

Homeland Security - Transportation systems must be designed or redesigned to address the safety and security of the nation's monuments and the visiting public.

* Acceptable meaning the economic breaking point between a well managed and a poorly managed road infrastructural asset.