Experts: Widening highway alone wont spur economy

The first study to determine the best way to improve U.S. Highway 2 is under way, but one question remains unanswered.

How much, if at all, will improving the highway improve the economy in the long run?

Not much, some experts say, unless other efforts are made to grow the economy as well.

"It's not about highways, it's about industries," said Daniel Hodge of Cambridge Systematics, which is studying economic impacts of highway improvements in Montana.

David Evans and Associates of Denver is preparing an environmental impact statement to find the best alternative for improving Highway 2 in the...