Final answer:
The three main components of the highway transportation system are Vehicles, Roadways, and Traffic Control Devices. These elements work together to facilitate the movement of people and goods, with the Federal Highway Act of 1956 significantly enhancing the U.S. interstate highway network.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three main components of the highway transportation system are Vehicles, Roadways, and Traffic Control Devices. This system includes all the elements necessary for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.
Vehicles are any mode of transport that moves people or goods. Roadways encompass the physical infrastructure such as roads, highways, bridges, and tunnels. Traffic Control Devices include all the signs, signals, and markings that help manage and control the flow of traffic.
The transportation system is crucial for the functioning of societies, enabling movement and trade. The Federal Highway Act of 1956 was a key development in enhancing this system in the United States, leading to the construction of the interstate highway network. This network is not only used for civilian transit and commerce but was also designed for national defence purposes. As more vehicles took to the roads, this infrastructure facilitated the growth of cities and economies, although it also had an impact on small towns bypassed by new highways.