Question

interstate highways in the southeastern united states
national atlas of the united states, january 2013
which of the following negative externalities would most likely result from adding four new major highways, from north to south, on this map?
outsourcing of industry
increase in rail traffic
rise in air pollution
decrease in population

Explanation:

• Outsourcing of industry: Building highways doesn't directly lead to industry outsourcing. Industry outsourcing is more related to cost - benefit analysis (e.g., labor cost, tax incentives in other regions) rather than highway construction.
• Increase in rail traffic: Highways and rail are competing transportation modes. If more highways are built, it is more likely that road traffic (not rail traffic) will increase as people may prefer the new highways for certain trips.
• Rise in air pollution: New highways will likely lead to an increase in the number of vehicles using them (more commuting, more transportation of goods by road). Vehicles emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. So, an increase in vehicle miles traveled on the new highways will cause a rise in air pollution.
• Decrease in population: Highways are usually built to improve connectivity. Improved connectivity can attract more people (for work, living) rather than cause a decrease in population.

Answer:

Rise in air pollution