Many Americans are concerned about the quality of their roads. They rely on well-maintained highway and interstate systems on a daily basis as they head to work, take their children to school and run daily errands. Damaged roads, roadblocks, congested traffic and hazardous driving conditions are but a few of the concerns they have to take into account every time they step behind the wheel. A civil engineering company and its civil engineer services are there when the country threatens to fail its residents, providing feasible solutions in all areas of society.
History Of America’s Roads
The United States boasts some of the largest and most complex highway systems on the planet. It wasn’t always this way, however. Inspired by the interconnected glory of high-speed roads in Germany during World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower would later champion the passing of the Federal Aid Highway Act. From 1956 and onward the law would fund the first 41,000 miles of connected highways that made up the first American interstate system. As of now it has nearly 47,000 miles and runs throughout all states. Despite this impressive feat in technology, civil engineer services have their work cut out for them.
Common Road Hazards
There are multiple road hazards that put everyday Americans at risk. For starters, more than half of America’s interstate miles are at a notable 70% traffic capacity, with 25% of those miles strained at nearly 95% capacity. Thick traffic is known to increase the rate of minor to severe crashes, with the added effect of making it difficult for businesses to send products and services across the country. Estimate have shown over one third of America’s major roads being in very poor condition, with nearly a third of all highway fatalities related to substandard road conditions and obsolete road designs. Civil engineer services are vital to fill potholes, establish signs and create safer driving conditions for all.
Additional Daily Services
Clean and safe roads are not the only responsibility of civil engineer services. Water and sewage plants need to be analyzed at all times to ensure they’re safe for human consumption as well as environmental influence, as water is susceptible to all sorts of bacteria, minerals and harmful chemicals. Recent data has suggested up to half of the assets in wastewater facilities may be beyond the midpoint of their lifespan by the time 2020 rolls around, with the number often at 100 years or so. Additionally, every major American container port is projected to be handling around double the volume they usually do.
The Future Of Civil Engineer Services
Thanks to geotechnical engineering firms and their ongoing contributions to structural design and transportation planning, the future is looking bright for America’s roads, sewage systems and dams. As of now more than 25% of bridges across the country need significant repairs due to their increase in traffic and general age. Additionally, over 4,000 dams are currently deemed unsafe by the American Society Of Civil Engineers and need ongoing repairs to ensure they can properly store and transport water. With large-scale projects already in the works and finances being direct in light of environmental strain, civil engineer services will have plenty to do in the future.