What major infrastructure project was initiated by the Federal Aid Highway Act?

The Federal Aid Highway Act initiated the development of the Interstate Highway System, which represented a landmark moment in American infrastructure. This system was designed to create a network of highways that would facilitate long-distance travel and improve the efficiency of commerce across the country. The act, passed in 1956, provided federal funding and support for the construction of thousands of miles of interstate highways that connected urban centers and rural areas alike.

This infrastructure was not only crucial for national defense during the Cold War by enabling the rapid movement of military troops and supplies, but it also had a profound impact on the economy by easing transportation for goods and increasing accessibility for the American public. The interstate highways have become a vital part of American life, influencing patterns of development, suburban expansion, and even contributing to changes in the landscape of cities and towns across the nation.

In contrast, the other options refer to initiatives that were not the primary focus of the Federal Aid Highway Act, as it specifically aimed at creating a unified and expansive highway system rather than addressing municipal road construction, bridge reconstruction, or environmental restoration projects.