Summary Reader Response Draft #1: New paths for the roads of tomorrow

New path to the road of tomorrow

In one of JCDecaux’s blog’s article, “New paths for the road of tomorrow” (2017), he mentioned several technological enhancements on road infrastructure. ‘Asphalt’ is conventionally used on roads pavement. These materials are neither durable nor cost-efficient; Increases surface temperature which requires a revolutionary change.  

The author is certain that “recycled materials” are much beneficial than the latter. For instance, he quoted 1.3 million cigarettes butts were implemented in the mixture with asphalt, which aid in the contribution of heat conductivity in “heat island” and waste management. Decaux also added that the first trail of “solar roadway” was implemented in France (2016); Renewable energy is harnessed to eliminate the need of snow excavator due to its heat conductivity properties, facilitating a smoother & safer traffic. In addition, “Smart highway” introduced in 2016, was proposed by the author that automatic light sensors are placed in close proximity of approaching vehicles. Thus, it saves energy while serving the intended purpose.

However despite the controversial uproar, a revolutionary of road infrastructure can be maddening and expensive to implement on a global scale. Furthermore, this has yet to be proven far from its sustainability in a conceptual stage. In a recent article by Mike Colargrossi (2019), “First solar roadway in France turned out to be a total disaster”. In the source, the author exclaimed that the ‘trial’ was a catastrophe where France is situated in a region where sunlight is limited. Besides, the panels were also found to be deteriorating at an alarming rate, where it comes loose and breaks into pieces. This shows an evident sign of poor sustainability within a mere three years of implementation.

In the article, Decaux (2017) also mentioned that ‘recycled plastics’ are much more beneficial than conventional Asphalt paving. Nonetheless, this was never the case as evidenced in one of Rachelle Adelante’s (2018) article; Bitumen is a plastic compound needed through combustion which is the desired byproduct for road construction. “Bitumen is a crude oil compound found to be harmful to the marine ecosystem & human health.” Furthermore, through the process of combustive recycling contributes to air pollution, which in turns affects the food-chain like a vicious cycle. The source has indeed aroused skeptics to the reality of our future road.

Contradictory, Asphalt was found to be road safe & cost-effective. This was mentioned in the Asphalt Pavement Alliance (2010). It’s unique “open-graded friction course” which prevents water retention that deters skiing and accidents. Asphalt’s ‘perpetual pavements’ means structure remains intact indefinitely while top layers periodically remove & replaced for maintenance, which is extremely cost-effective.

“It is estimated that recycling of asphalt pavements saves the American taxpayer $1.8 billion per year. It also saves hundreds of acres of landfill space each year.”  

In conclusion, being innovative and radical in a sustainability context is extremely critical in these Information ages. However, this also comes in the great expense of an entire nation’s economy. Staying resilience and having the ability to leverage “already in place” infrastructure might be an uprising strategies for the government to apprehend. Thus, this reduces the needs for demolition and construction costs.

References:

JC Decaux. (2017, October 23). New paths for the roads of tomorrow. Retrieved from https://www.jcdecaux.com/mobility-trends/new-paths-roads-tomorrow

Colagrossi, M. (2019, August 21). France's failed solar roadway. Retrieved from https://bigthink.com/technology-innovation/france-solar-road?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

Adelante, R. (2018, September 19). Can Plastic Roads Pave the Way to Sustainable Future? Retrieved from https://medium.com/green-zine/can-plastic-roads-pave-the-way-to-sustainable-future-260b4909f02f.

Asphalt Pavement Alliance. (2010, September). The Role of Asphalt in Livable Communities Retrieved from http://www.asphaltroads.org/assets/_control/content/files/livablecommunities_whitepaper_september2010.pdf.