In 1897, when public transit was practically unheard of, America’s first subway system opened, setting the stage for public transportation throughout the country and across the world.
At the time of its construction in 1913, Grand Central Terminal was the largest construction project in New York City’s history, and one of the first all-electric buildings in the world.
When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the tallest, longest suspension bridge on Earth, and it held that title until 1981.
And at more than 45,000 miles in length, the Interstate Highway System remains one of America’s most spectacular infrastructure achievements, boasting the world’s largest soft-ground and underwater highway tunnels in the world.
Today, it is hard to imagine our country without these iconic pieces of transportation infrastructure, or the roads and bridges, rail lines, and airports Americans rely on regularly. They shaped our landscape, transformed the lives of millions, and inspired a nation.
But these modern marvels are more than just a testament to American ingenuity. They are also a tribute to the strength of this country’s workforce. Tens of thousands of working people came together to build and operate these and other pieces of our nation’s transportation system and, in doing so, they built the American middle class.
Read more in The Hill.