Francis C. “Frank” Turner
Francis C. “Frank” Turner (A&M ’29) began his career with the Bureau of Public Roads. He spent the next 43 years with this organization and its successor agency, and was appointed Federal Highway Administrator in 1969.
During his career, Frank assumed numerous significant responsibilities, including construction of the Alaskan Highway during World War II, the rebuilding of the Philippine highway system following the war, and the creation and construction of the Interstate Highway System.
His contributions to the interstate program are so noteworthy that he is referred to as the “Father of the Interstate Highway System.” He served as executive secretary of the Clay Committee, which was in charge of overseeing this massive public works project, and worked tirelessly as a liaison with Congress drafting the legislation that set forth the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
Frank Turner received many honors during his lifetime, and his name is included in prestigious lists such as “Ten People Who Changed the Way You Live” (American Heritage Magazine) and “25 Makers of the American Century” (U.S. News and World Report).
Francis C. Turner is the first individual inducted into the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor.
Inducted March 2000.