The Technical Development of Roads in Britain

by Graham West

Overview

This title was first published in 2003. The history of roads in Great Britain has not been one of steady development, but rather, one that has waxed and waned in response to social, military and economic needs, and also as to whether there have been alternative methods of transport available. Paralleling this, the technical aspects of road construction - with the one great exception of Roman roads - can be seen as a fitful progression of improvement followed by neglect as the roadmaker has responded, albeit tardily on occasion, to the needs of the road user. This text describes the technical development of British roads in relation to the needs of the time, and thereby touches upon its relation to the history of the country more generally.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138743212
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/13/2021
Series:	Routledge Revivals
Pages:	174
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

List of Figures vi

Figure Acknowledgements viii

List of Tables ix

Preface x

1 Introduction 1

2 Prehistoric Trackways 18

3 Roman Roads 27

4 The Years of Neglect 35

5 Scotland's Military Roads 45

6 Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Roads 52

7 The Coming of the Motor Car 72

8 Motorways 94

9 Conclusion 114

Appendices 127

Appendix 1 Rocks Used in Road Construction 129

Appendix 2 Soils Used in Road Construction 133

Appendix 3 Modern Road Materials 136

Appendix 4 Skidding Resistance 140

Select Bibliography 144

Glossary 149

Useful Addresses 155

Index 156

Editorial Reviews

Explores the technical development of roads in Britain up until the end of the 20th century, examining the structure of roads, the study of the need for roads, and the development of the road network, against the political, social, military, and economic background of the times. Coverage progresses from prehistoric trackways and Roman roads, to Scotland's military roads, 18th- and 19th-century roads, and motorways. Of interest to highway and civil engineers and students, and to all those interested in the histories of transportation and technology. West is a Chartered Geologist. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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