Innovations and SA road design

The advent of new technology has led to many upgrades in modern motor vehicles, but it’s not the only thing that’s changing

The roads we drive on, and even our urban landscapes, are constantly changing. In this trend report, we take a look at the challenges and possibilities that are presented when it comes to designing roads in South Africa.

The challenges and possibilities for road design innovation

South Africa’s population is growing and is also becoming increasingly urbanised.

This means there will be more cars on our roads and traffic management authorities will have to contend with the problems of a growing population. These include traffic delays, accident management and pollution.

Civil engineers will have to focus on improving and expanding infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of cars on the roads.

Issues that affect roads

Effective road management in South Africa will require a greater investment in transport infrastructure. Roads and transport are very important because they’re needed for access to social services and employment.

Could regulating the taxi industry and focusing on aspects like improving accident management improve public transport? Should government focus on improving existing bus systems?

Electric buses are being considered as a cheaper and more eco-friendly solution to the challenges of public transport.

Road maintenance: A plastic waste alternative

Road maintenance is another challenge facing South Africans and rehabilitating roads that haven’t been maintained adds to the cost.

One of the innovative ideas put forward as a solution is to use discarded plastic as an alternative for bitumen on road surfaces.

This would mean using a non-recyclable waste product to construct roads that are stronger and cheaper to build. BBC news report on a plant in Lockerbie, that produce asphalt that would have been taken to landfills.

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