Roads - Question (Alternative to modern roads).?

Question

Why don't we have dirt roads? I don't want the history of roads. I am just suggesting an alternative. Dirt roads are less intrusive to the natural environment, don't cause pollution, and are easy to maintain. Road maintainence today cost a lot of money and is difficult to keep up on. Any thoughts, opinions, facts?

I can definately see what you mean about the dirt flying up.
I still think the construnction of all these roads is damaging and unnecessary.
There has to be a better way to maintain
current roads.

Maybe we should go back to horse and buggy? :)

Answer 1

Dirt roads are NOT easier to maintain, exactly the opposite.

Try to imagine what a major super highway would look like as a dirt road. Giant billowing clouds of dust choking everybody and preventing you from seeing more than a foot in front of your car, stones being shot into your windshield every 5 minutes. Chaos.

And then imagine what happens when it rains.. and this road becomes a giant 6 inch deep mud pit.

There's a very good reason why civilizations have invested in expensive road building for thousands of years... dirt roads simply don't cut it.

Answer 2

Dirt roads are not at all easier to maintain than asphalt roads. Dirt becomes saturated with water easily which makes it unstable (potholes, washes, sinkholes, etc) and greasy to drive on. Where water is not a problem, dust is.

Unfortunately the only reasonable alternative to paved roads for land transport is rail. We should use trains more and airplanes less, they are up to 5 times more fuel efficient than a car or a plane on a per seat basis.