American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the primary responsibility of the Public Roads Administration (PRA)?

1. Implementing the interstate highway system

2. Funding urban transit projects

3. Conducting vehicle safety inspections

4. Overseeing environmental compliance

The correct answer is: Implementing the interstate highway system

The primary responsibility of the Public Roads Administration (PRA) was to implement the interstate highway system, a monumental infrastructure project initiated in the mid-20th century. This system was designed to improve national defense, facilitate efficient transportation of goods, and enhance accessibility across the United States. The PRA was instrumental in planning, designing, and constructing these highways, which revolutionized travel and commerce, embodying a significant shift in American transportation policy. In understanding the roles of various transportation-related entities, it is important to note that while other organizations may focus on urban transit projects, vehicle safety, or environmental compliance, the PRA's core mission was specifically aligned with highway infrastructure and specifically the effects of that infrastructure on the national landscape. The emphasis on a coordinated highway system also reflects broader technological advancements and changing societal needs during its establishment, reinforcing why this option is the most accurate representation of the PRA's responsibilities.