This paper investigates the relationships between the extent and quality of paved road infrastructure and national per capita income. A number of selected variables are incorporated in the relationship involving a study of 98 countries. The analyses include cross sectional and time series methods, with data going back to 1950. Consistent and significant associations between economic development, in terms of per capita GNP, and paved road infrastructure, on a per capita basis, are demonstrated. The data show that the per capita stock of paved road infrastructure in high income national economies is dramatically greater than in middle and low income economies. While less definitive, road condition also seems associated with economic development. The average density of paved roads in good condition ranges from 40 km/million people in low income to 470 in middle income to 8,550 in high income economies. The information and relationships presented in this paper can be used as indicators of weakness, or strength, in national road infrastructure stock or asset. An initial analysis of Canada's relative ranking is provided. Casualty (that is, does an increase in road stock lead to growth, or vice versa) is also briefly explored. (A)
Abstract