It is embarrassing that the country that brought us the information superhighway relies on crumbling regular highways. Besides red faces, America's fraying public infrastructure imposes costs on businesses, individuals and the environment.

The numbers involved are huge: the American Society of Civil Engineers reckons $1,600bn is needed just to bring the country's existing infrastructure up to scratch. But is it possible to secure political support and funding to address the issue in a country wedded to low taxes and sceptical of big government?