Planning for infrastructure: A case study of the interstate highway system of the United States

This paper examines methods and approaches for planning and developing infrastructure systems at a continental scale. The primary case in point is the U.S. Interstate highway system. While the context and circumstances in China today differ significantly from those present at the onset of Interstate highway system development, the U.S. Interstate may still offer some useful insights for China as it considers the further development of its infrastructure. The paper concludes that when demand for infrastructure is readily apparent from congestion or other market signals, it is appropriate to use incremental ''flexible planning.'' When demand is not apparent, more subjective design approaches are necessary. In neither case, however, is traditional master or ''rational'' the appropriate planning approach. Adherence to rational planning approaches a breakdown into a ritualistic exercise that sheds little light on problems or opportunities.