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Mineta Kicks-Off Interstate 50^th Anniversary Celebration

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta kicked-off the nation's celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Interstate Highway System at noon on Monday, January 23, during the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC.

Also speaking at the kick-off were Transportation Research Board Executive Director Robert Skinner, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley, and TRB Vice Chairman Michael Meyers. The event featured displays on the origins of the Interstate, including a 1956 Buick Roadmaster, highlights of events planned for the year-long anniversary celebration, and a focus on the future of the Interstate for the next 50 years.

Below are some highlights from the kick-off.

• AASHTO's press release describing the kick-off.
• The full text of Secretary Mineta's remarks.
• The full text of Vice Chairman Meyers' remarks.
• A history of the Interstate Highway System in maps and photographs – presentation shown at AASHTO's Interstate 50^th Anniversary booth. Downloadable PDF file (11.5 MB).
• 50 Years of the Interstate Highway System (Session 421, 2006 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting)
  • Introduction - 50 Years of the Interstate Highway System – presentation by Tony Kane, AASHTO Director of Engineering and Technical Services. Downloadable PDF file.
  • How the Interstate System Came to Be: 50 Years of the Interstate Highway System – presentation by Bruce E. Seely, Michigan Technological University. Downloadable PDF file (4 MB).
  • What the Interstate Highway System Meant for the Transportation Community – presentation by Francis Francois, former AASHTO Executive Director. Downloadable PDF file.
  • The Interstate Highway System – Past and Future – presentation by Dr. Jonathon Gifford, George Mason University. Downloadable PDF file.
• A photo gallery.