In the blog post “New paths for the roads of tomorrow”, Decaux (2017) observed that developments in smart infrastructure can be applied to roads, which will further improve roads to be more “smart, connected and safer”. Decaux mentioned that roads are mainly made of asphalt, which is a costly material and encourages the formation of "heat islands during heat waves in cities". Developments have been done to create more sustainable materials which will reduce wastage and improve on the quality of roads. Materials such as "recycled plastic" helps to make roads more resilient, while cigarette butts mix with asphalt reduces the "heat island" formation. The author found that other developments include using solar panels on roads to harvest energy, using it to heat up roads during winter and lighting up the roads in the night via motion sensors. Improving on road user’s safety, and the usability of roads.
While I agree that there are greener materials to be
used in replacement of asphalt as Decaux mentioned, I feel that it is not a comprehensive comparison. The author states the disadvantages of using asphalt, comparing that against the advantages of using the greener materials. Instead, I feel that he should have listed both the advantages and disadvantages of asphalt and its replacement material.
Reference:
Decaux, J. C. (2017, October 23). Mobility & Trends; New paths for the roads of tomorrow
Retrieved from https://www.jcdecaux.com/mobility-trends/new-paths-roads-tomorrow
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