What is the purpose of the interstate highway system?

The interstate highway system was established primarily to enhance national defense and facilitate emergency evacuation. This network of highways provides a reliable and efficient way to move military personnel and equipment across the country, ensuring that the nation can respond effectively in times of crisis. Additionally, the design of the interstate system allows for quick evacuation routes during natural disasters or other emergencies, ensuring the safety and mobility of citizens.

This purpose underlines the system's strategic importance, going beyond just improving general transportation. While there are certainly benefits related to traffic congestion, local transportation, and public transit, these are not the primary objectives of the interstate highway system. Its architecture and logistics focus on national security and ensuring rapid response capabilities during urgent situations, which is why enhancing national defense and emergency evacuation is considered the primary goal.