So, what can we do? Some people have suggested building new roads or expanding existing ones, but we cannot afford to build our way out of congestion. A transportation system that relies heavily on automobiles requires a lot of infrastructure: storage areas (parking lots, garages, etc.), roadways, and support services (gas stations, repair shops, etc.)
This infrastructure is very expensive. Parking lot construction costs range from $5,000 per parking space for a surface lot, $10,000 per space for an above ground structure, and $20,000 per space for a below ground facility (Victoria Transportation Policy Institute).
Road construction is even more expensive. This chart shows costs in millions of dollars.
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Arterial Lane Addition
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$1.6M to $3.5M
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Freeway Lane Addition
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$2.5M to $7.5M
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Roadway Realignment
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$1.3M to $6.0M
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Widen Shoulders
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$0.5M to $3.0M
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WSDOT Transporation Planning Office, 10/2001
