Challenges and Opportunities for Innovation in the Public Works ...

important aspect of a nations infrastructure could be established for 100 year has an
interesting example in the current development of a national high speed rail network in
France.
Plans already implemented in France call for the development of high speed rail
(TGV) segments to serve four quadrants of the nation. These segments will hub at Paris
where a central facility has been built. The right-of-way leading into Paris for the high
speed rail will follow a right-of-way that was set aside for rail purposes in 1900. That rightof-way
is being developed as a multi use corridor that will blend the rail service with a green
belt that will provide recreational opportunity and blend well with the neighborhoods
through which the right-of-way passes.
There is an opportunity for legislators and political leaders to establish long term
policies that would insure timely and logical development of the nations transportation
infrastructure and foster innovation. This would require non-partisanship and vision on the
part of our leadership. It appears that the public sees a need for leadership and is becoming
increasingly sensitized to such issues. The presidential primary of 1992 has been a very
enlightening experience in this respect. For example, the news media in a surprised way
reported in the South Dakota primary that the voters of that state were exhibiting a deepseated
anger at the business as usual attitude and lack of leadership from legislators and
administration.
On the political landscape, legislators are having to face the fact that society is going
through a period of activism. The activism comes from individuals, groups and businesses
and their associations. This activism has significant impact on transportation infrastructure
development. For example, in San Diego, California a light rail mass transportation system
is being developed. The development of that rail system is being focused upon by
individuals and groups that are divided by the definitive positions of yes and no. It is difficult
to work at developing this transportation facility on a timely and cost effective basis in this
type of an environment. However, in spite of this focus of attention, the development of the
light rail system is proceeding.
Industry
A large part of our economy produces, transports or sells goods. There is also a part
of the economy that provides services. The transportation system that supports these
business as well as personal travel demands is itself supported by a large component of
industry that includes contractors, consultants, material suppliers, equipment suppliers, and
industry associations and research centers. Users such as the driving public, truckers, and
airlines can also be considered to have an impact on the transportation system. These
parties are considered in this paper as the transportation industry. This industry affects the
transportation system through demand, support for legislation, and materials and equipment
for construction and maintenance.
The transportation system and society would be better served by balancing demand.
Trucking interests lobby for bigger vehicles. However, bigger vehicles are not necessarily
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