The North Carolina Chamber Foundation joined TRIP, a Washington, DC based national transportation organization, and the Regional Transportation Alliance today in releasing a report that examines the condition, use and safety of North Carolina’s roads, highways and bridges, and the future mobility needs of the state. “North Carolina Transportation by the Numbers: Meeting the State’s Need for Safe and Efficient Mobility” finds that roads and bridges that are deficient, congested or lack desirable safety features cost North Carolina motorists a total of $6.5 billion statewide annually due to higher vehicle operating costs, traffic crashes and congestion-related delays. While the report looks overall at statewide transportation needs, it also drills down into North Carolina’s largest urban areas – Asheville, Charlotte, Piedmont Triad, Raleigh-Durham, and Wilmington. Press events were held at local chambers of commerce in these areas to discuss the report findings and the critical nature of meeting the state’s need for safe and efficient mobility, as additional demands are placed on the current transportation system.

The North Carolina business community widely recognizes the inextricable link between infrastructure and North Carolina’s ability to compete for job growth and economic development. As outlined in North Carolina Vision 2030, Infrastructure and Growth Leadership is one of four key areas where our state must strive for excellence in order to drive economic prosperity for all North Carolinians. As North Carolina looks to build and enhance a thriving, growing and dynamic state, it will be critical to provide a 21st century network of roads, highways and bridges that can accommodate the mobility demands of a modern society. Making needed improvements to North Carolina’s roads, highways and bridges could provide a significant boost to the state’s economy by creating jobs in the short term and stimulating long-term economic growth as a result of enhanced mobility and access.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber