Poll: Americans want good highways, bridges but are divided on paying for them

A majority of Americans agree that the cost of good transportation is worthwhile, but they're divided over how to pay for it.

A new Associated Press-GfK poll found 6 in 10 of those surveyed say the economic benefits of good highways, railroads and airports outweigh the cost. Yet there is scant support for some of the most frequently discussed options for paying for construction of new roads or the upkeep of existing ones.

Of those surveyed, 58 percent oppose raising federal gasoline taxes to fund transportation projects. Only 14 percent support an increase. By better than 2-to-1, Americans oppose having private companies pay for construction of new roads and bridges in exchange for the right to charge tolls.