American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

When was the Federal Aid Highway Act adopted?

1. 1939

2. 1944

3. 1952

4. 1965

The correct answer is: 1944

The Federal Aid Highway Act was adopted in 1956, not 1944. This significant piece of legislation established the framework for the Interstate Highway System in the United States, aiming to create a network of high-speed, limited-access highways to facilitate transportation across the country. It was designed to improve road conditions and ensure the efficient movement of goods and people. The other years listed do relate to various highway and infrastructure initiatives, but they do not correspond to the specific adoption year of the Federal Aid Highway Act. For instance, initiatives like the earlier Federal Aid Road Act of 1916 and subsequent acts contributed to highway funding but were separate from the establishment of the Interstate system as delineated in the 1956 legislation. Understanding the historical context and implications of the 1956 act helps emphasize its role in modern transportation planning and infrastructure development in the U.S.