The Earliest roads transported people and goods. People walked or used animals. Roads were tracks or traces that often used or paralleled game trails. One example that still exists in the US is the Natchez Trace. This is a picture of a sunken part of the Trace. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 2

Mesopotamia - where the wheel was developed Hard surfaces for travel purposes Most likely packed material - soil, etc. In 2000 BC, the Minoans built a road from Knossos to Gortyn and Lebena. It was 50 kilometers long, and was made of sandstone blocks and gypsum mortar. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 3

 The Silk Road and its connectors were the major trade link between China, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.  4,000 miles long.  Begun some time before 114 BC.  A series of caravan tracks.  More of series of routes rather than a true road.  Named for the prized silks the Chinese traded for western goods. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 4

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 Used deep beds of crushed stone.  More heavily traveled roads used pavers to allow chariots to travel more quickly.  They were build to allow the armies to travel quickly.  Some of these roads still exist. Like this one in Hungary. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 6

Early Baghdad (in Iraq) used road surfaces paved with tar from oil deposits. Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas built roads from inland cities to coast to move food and trade goods. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 7

Blind Jack Metcalf was first professional road builder in England in He understood that roads needed good foundations and drainage. (Yes he was blind, he lost his sight at age 6 from small pox.) John Loudon MacAdam Builds macadam hard-surface roads in England in TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 8

 Early roads were costly and were usually built by private companies.  In the US prior to 1790 roads were built, financed, and managed towns through road labor taxes.  Many began and ended right outside of the town limits.  Often these roads were made of wooden planks.  They were maintained by citizens who either contributed money, materials, or labor. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 9

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 Public interest in roads and roadways did not occur until the invention of the bicycle.  In the 1890’s most roads outside of towns were still dirt roads TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 11

 Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908  Low priced at $950  Highly efficient  Pressure was created for the Federal Government to get involved with road building.  Congress Passed the Federal-Aid Road Act of  1920 the Bureau of Public Roads provided funding for a system of Paved Highways. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 12

One great example of the economic and cultural importance of roads in the US is Route 66. U.S. Route 66 was one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway System It is also known as  the Will Rogers Highway  the Main Street of America  the Mother Road. It ran from Chicago, Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending in Santa Monica, California. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 13

 This route provided a major route for westward migration during the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s.  It was a popular route for vacationers in the 1950’s.  It was officially decommissioned in the 1985 as an official part of the highway system.  Portions of the road have been designated as a National Scenic Byway. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 14

 Businesses –  Route 66 Records  Route 66 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)  Route 66 Blue Jeans  Numerous Hotels and other business along the route bears its name.  Entertainment –  Route 66 – Televisions series (1960’s and in 1993).  Route 66 – Song “Get your Kicks on Route 66” (1946) Originally sung by Nat King Cole, subsequently covered by Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, Bing Crosby & the Andrews Sisters, Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Lightcrust Doughboys, Depeche Mode, Pappo’s Blues, John Mayer, and Glen Frey.  Route 66 – Film 1998  Route 66 Band  Other  A rock on Mars was named Route 66  Route 66 Raceway – Joliet, Illinois  Route 66 Oil Company TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 15

Roads fell into disrepair during World War II. After the war, President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of This act funded the Interstate Program. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 16

 By increasing speed and expanding access, freight costs have been reduced substantially.  Made less expensive land more accessible and encouraged development.  Made travel time more reliable  Made just in time delivery more feasible, reducing warehousing costs and adding to business efficiency.  Increased retail competition.  Improved inter-regional access. TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 17

Any Ideas? TEA EE Project, Energy, Power & Trans Systems 18