WASHINGTON—A year after the President signed it into law, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA 21), will mean more road construction projects, more detours and delays for the traveling public. It will also mean safer, more efficient roads, better mass transit and cleaner air for the future.

That’s the message from Rep. James L., Oberstar, Ranking Democratic Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee during today’s observance of the TEA 21 anniversary.

"TEA 21 authorized $218 billion to rebuild highways and bridges, improve mass transit, enhance alternative forms of transportation and improve air quality," Oberstar said. "Before we passed TEA 21, one of every three highway bridges was found to be structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Nearly half of all transit rail yards, stations and bridges was rated in poor condition. Some 254,000 miles of highway pavement were listed in poor condition. Yet, every year federal, state and local governments spent $17 billion less than the amount needed simply to maintain these facilities at their current condition and capacity,"

The promise of TEA 21, however, brings with it a price: more highway construction during the summer travel season.

"Nearly $52 billion has already gone to the states for transportation projects. This will mean more construction delays and detours for travelers this summer, and each summer over the course of this bill," Oberstar said. "It will also mean more jobs—2.3 million new jobs have been created so far—and new opportunities for small businesses under the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program."

Oberstar called upon drivers to be aware of the new construction when traveling this summer, and take care when passing through work zones.

"More than 700 fatal accidents and some 5,000 personal injury accidents occur in construction zones each year," Oberstar said. "With the increased number of highway projects expected this summer, we face an increased risk of serious accidents in work areas. Drivers should take extra care to be alert, and most importantly, reduce speed when they come upon road construction."

"A little patience today will pay off in safer, cleaner, more efficient transportation for the future," Oberstar said.