American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

The Federal Aid Highway Act initially designated how many kilometers of highways as interstate highways?

1. 50,000

2. 65,000

3. 75,000

4. 85,000

The correct answer is: 65,000

The correct answer reflects the historical context of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which established the Interstate Highway System. The Act originally designated 41,000 miles, which translates to approximately 66,000 kilometers, as interstate highways in the United States. Considering the choices provided, the option of 65,000 kilometers closely aligns with the spirit of the original designation, as it is a rounded figure that captures the size of the program as it was understood at the time. The significance of this act lays in its impact on transportation and infrastructure development in the U.S., facilitating trade, travel, and economic growth. The design and implementation of the Interstate Highway System transformed the American landscape, allowing for greater connectivity and mobility. While other answer choices suggest higher figures, they do not match the initial designation accurately and could lead to misconceptions about the scope of the original act. Understanding the historical significance of the act requires recognizing that the 65,000 kilometers reflect a key milestone in U.S. infrastructure planning and federal support for highway construction.