Why Highways Are Built Near the Ground: Efficiency, Safety, and Environmental Considerations

Highways, known for their crucial role in modern transportation, are predominantly built at ground level. This strategic decision is shaped by various factors that collectively enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. Let's explore why these massive infrastructure projects are often constructed near the ground and the benefits they bring.

Cost Efficiency and Land Use

One of the primary reasons for constructing highways at ground level is their cost-effectiveness. Building a highway elevated requires substantial additional materials and engineering, which can significantly escalate expenses. Ground-level construction, on the other hand, optimizes the use of existing land and minimizes disruptions to the surrounding environment. For instance, an elevated highway can necessitate large areas for supports and ramps, often leading to additional surface land usage and potential environmental impacts.

Drainage and Flood Management

Ground-level highways enable better integration of drainage systems, which are crucial for managing water runoff and mitigating the risk of flooding. When highways are close to the ground, it becomes easier to incorporate drainage features directly into their design. This proactive approach not only ensures the safety of the infrastructure but also contributes to the overall resilience of the area during extreme weather events.

Accessibility and Safety

Infrastructure designed for ground level highways promotes better accessibility for vehicles entering and exiting the road. This ease of access can enhance traffic flow and provide seamless connections between local roads and the highway network. Moreover, ground-level highways can be equipped with pedestrian and cyclist crossings, making them safer for non-motorized traffic. Elevated highways, while structurally sound, can pose challenges in facilitating safe crossings and could disrupt the flow of pedestrian and cyclist traffic.

Aesthetics and Community Impact

The visual impact of highways on the surrounding environment is significant. Ground-level construction can be less disruptive and more aesthetically pleasing in certain landscapes. Proper design can integrate highways into the natural and built environment, reducing the risk of creating barriers and disrupting local communities. Elevated highways, although they serve a purpose, can sometimes become visual and physical obstructions, potentially splitting neighborhoods and altering the character of the area.

Challenges and Exceptions

While the general trend is to build highways at ground level, there are exceptions. Certain elevated highways exist, particularly in urban areas where congestion needs to be alleviated. However, these instances are less common and are usually tailored to specific conditions.

The Question of Overbuilding and Environmental Impact

The article raises an interesting point about the overbuilding of highways, speculating that if weight limits on trucks were reasonable and guidelines were changed, the current overbuilt infrastructure could be more economical and faster to construct. The suggestion is that instead of building too large highways, elevating guideways to precise heights could optimize both cost and efficiency.

A guideway with a clearance of 17 feet and 23 feet would be a more rational approach, reducing the need for overbuilding. Moreover, such a system would be safer for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, by providing designated pathways and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Energy efficiency is also a key consideration. A guideway designed for 180 mph speeds and powered by a 7-foot-wide solar array under the guideway could significantly reduce energy consumption. This aligns with initiatives by the Department of Energy (DOE), which supports environmentally friendly transportation solutions. However, the DOE's official response of being “discouraged” suggests concerns about job loss in the trucking industry.

While job loss is a valid concern, the long-term benefits of cleaner air and reduced air pollution should not be overlooked. Studies show that over 200,000 people in the U.S. die 10 years prematurely due to air pollution, a stark reminder of the need for environmental reform in transportation infrastructure.

Conclusion

Highways built at ground level offer numerous advantages in terms of cost, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. While there are exceptions and challenges, optimizing highway construction could lead to more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly transportation systems. The future of transportation infrastructure should aim for balance, ensuring that both the environment and the economy are given due consideration.