The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was signed into law back in December 2015, and New York State is starting to see the beginnings of the changes it promises to bring. The entirety of the FAST Act is set to give $305 billion in funding over the course of the next five years to improve the roads and highways of states all across the country. New York, which has gained notoriety as a state with poor roadway conditions and as many as one-third of every mile of road there requiring some form of maintenance, is slated to receive $9 billion, or approximately 50% more than what the average state will receive.
The FAST Act, which received support from both Democratic and Republican Congressional members, promises to bring multiple benefits with its funding. The initial draw is that states will be able to use the money on problem areas and difficult roadways that the public commonly complain about. Furthermore, the funding is already set and will be staggered predictably over the course of five years. This allows transportation organizations in each state the ability to plan projects ahead of time without the fear of going over budget, or under budget and doing too little.
Money from the FAST Act will also dedicated to furthering the science behind transportation and highway design itself. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion through smarter civic engineering, promote using toll roads at all hours of the day with flexible pricing, and encourage an easier freight system from trucking companies. If everything goes according to plan, there should be improvements and benefits across the board.
Everything Has Its Complications
For as much good as the FAST Act promises to bring to the country’s highway and roadway infrastructures, it has some potential to cause some chaos during the initial stages. New York City, in particular, is gearing up for traffic troubles as roads are repaved and repainted, highways are widened, and possibly even new onramps are constructed. If you live in or around the Big Apple, you are highly encouraged to begin planning your trips in advance. Check traffic reports ahead of time and always drive carefully.
In addition to creating potentially dangerous driving conditions amidst the construction, FAST Act actions can also potentially increase your chances of being hit with a traffic citation. Road rules around construction zones can be intricate or simply unknown to many people, and the police know this. Expect to see an increase in black-and-white patrol cars around areas being improved by the FAST Act. And, if you do get ticketed despite your best efforts to follow the law, know that our New York City Traffic Ticket Attorneys at Gannes & Musico, LLP can help you. Call us at 877.803.2603 to schedule a free consultation and learn your rights today.