• Question: How do you keep roads safe?

    Asked by T-CScientist to Philippa on 12 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Philippa Jefferis

      Philippa Jefferis answered on 12 Mar 2015:

      Hi,

      A great question with a number of different answers.

      1) Maintaining the road surface – the back top (tarmac) is vital for ensuring cars stay on the road and can brake properly. Overtime a surface gets smooth so we have to make sure this is replaced before it gets too slippy.

      2) Maintaining the structures – so this is the road but also the bridges and tunnels on a road. These are inspected every year to check they are still safe. If they are damaged or showing signs of age then that’s where I help design repair work to keep the roads safe for use

      3) Technology – Smart motorway is the new plan for all the major roads in the UK. You may have seen it in places already where over head signs tell people about things to be careful about such as broken down cars or queue up ahead. It helps to keep people informed and be more cautious when they need to be.

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