“America’s success story in its first 250 years is inextricably tied to how we move,” said ARTBA President & CEO Dave Bauer in releasing the association’s list. “While thousands of transportation projects from coast to coast have contributed to the tapestry of the American experience, the projects we are highlighting teach a timeless lesson that strategic infrastructure investment pays dividends for many decades.”

Anticipating this milestone in early July, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) – CIC’s longtime national affiliate – unveiled a collection of 250 transportation projects that tell America’s story. It includes projects across all 50 states and D.C. From colonial roads to the Golden Gate Bridge, the infrastructure improvements selected transformed a nation of 13 colonies into a global economic powerhouse.

The list, available at www.artba.org/250projects, was developed via a nationwide survey of transportation design and construction firms, state transportation departments, state construction associations, university professors, and construction industry journalists.

Projects were selected based on their long-term impact on mobility, safety, economic growth, and overall quality of life. Among the 20 projects across New York State that made the list, CIC members will recognize three as especially critical to your region’s rich history and multi-generational growth:

• Tappan Zee Bridge – The original span, crossing the Hudson River at one of its widest points and operational from 1955 to 2017, drove the Valley’s economic expansion by connecting Rockland and Westchester Counties.
• New York State Thruway – Opening in 1954, the 500+ mile highway links communities of all sizes across the state and featured one of the nation’s earliest long-distance toll road systems.
• Erie Canal – Built from 1817 to 1825, it connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic via the Hudson River, transforming U.S. trade and establishing a major national commercial route.

While America’s 250th anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate past achievements, it also reminds us of how our industry can continue impacting the nation’s story. Today’s transportation network faces growing safety and freight demands, increasing travel needs, and 21st century mobility challenges. Robust and strategic investment is needed to ensure our multi-modal network keeps pace.

Previous generations had the vision and commitment to invest in the future, enabling the forebears of today’s transportation construction professionals to deliver assets that endure to this day. Now, ARTBA, CIC and its allies are pushing Congress to provide the resources needed for America’s next class of transformative projects.

Funding for the federal surface transportation programs is set to expire later this year. A five-year bill emerged from a House committee in May with overwhelming bipartisan support, and the Senate is expected to develop its own measure. At a time when many issues divide Capitol Hill, transportation remains an area for common ground, and should drive timely action.

As President Trump and Congress consider America’s mobility needs at the dawn of its next 250 years, the lesson is clear: strong federal investment in transportation infrastructure delivers benefits that last for generations.

About the authors: Rich Juliano, IOM, CAE is General Counsel; Managing Director, Contractors and P3 Divisions and Beth McGinn is vice president of communications at ARTBA.

Published: August 11, 2026.