How much of the problem is in the rear view mirror?Newer road designs can be great stuff.
On the other hand, Construction in America is tied to ... all the wrong things (money politics?). The Romans built roads that have lasted 2,000 years.
Maybe someone can poke these guys to get them to sit-up and take note.
The skinny on our blue-jeans infrastructure. Money quote:
Roads in France, Germany and other European nations are routinely built using up to 3 feet of concrete.
Instead of sticking with these proven methods, though, IDOT is trying to save money by using techniques that include a 4-inch layer of quick-setting concrete and as little as 2 inches over existing asphalt. Experimentation is fine. But when these experimental methods fail prematurely, they cost Illinois taxpayers as much or more in the long run in patching, rebuilding and the ensuing congestion. That strikes us as being penny-wise and pound-foolish. -
Chicago Sun-Times, Jan 24, 2000, Editorials
