You speak some truths.  I like the analogy you used.  Instead of just expanding, we need to use sound design practices, and some forethought.  I continually marvel at the stupidity of some of the roadway designs that create the very problems they propose to solve.  And then I wonder "Who gave final approval for THAT?"  And "Did the person who designed THAT really go to school?"  We also need thoroughfares that get people from here to there safely and swiftly, without forcing them onto highways a few through streets.