|
The modern roads by and large follow Macadam's construction method.
Use of bituminous concrete and cement concrete are the most important
developments.
Various advanced and cost-effective construction technologies are used.
Development of new equipments help in the faster construction of roads.
Many easily and locally available materials are tested in the laboratories and
then implemented on roads for making economical and durable pavements.
Scope of transportation system has developed very largely.
Population of the country is increasing day by day.
The life style of people began to change.
The need for travel to various places at faster speeds also increased.
This increasing demand led to the emergence of other modes of transportation
like railways and travel by air.
While the above development in public transport sector was taking place,the
development in private transport was at a much faster rate mainly because of
its advantages like accessibility, privacy, flexibility, convenience and
comfort.
This led to the increase in vehicular traffic especially in private transport
network.
Thus road space available was becoming insufficient to meet the growing demand
of traffic and congestion started.
In addition, chances for accidents also increased.
This has led to the increased attention towards control of vehicles so that the
transport infrastructure was optimally used.
Various control measures like traffic signals, providing roundabouts and
medians, limiting the speed of vehicle at specific zones etc. were implemented.
With the advancement of better roads and efficient control, more and more
investments were made in the road sector especially after the World wars.
These were large projects requiring large investment.
For optimal utilization of funds, one should know the travel pattern and travel
behavior.
This has led to the emergence of transportation planning and demand management.
|
