Review of the Major Factors influencing Road Development During the XXth Century.

Taking an international rather than a regional perspective, the paper reviews the major factors which have influenced road system development during the 20th century. Whilst much of this development might be attributed tothe introduction and subsequent widespread use of motorised vehicles, thepaper discusses a range of other social, cultural and technical factors which also played significant roles. It begins by examining the inherited momentum of the 19th century, establishes road-related social conditions and technological development at the beginning of the 20th century, and thenexplores subsequent changes. It focuses on overall trends but also nominates specific events and iconic occasions. The paper observes that the car powered by internal-combustion (IC) engines burst on the scene with limitless energy and with little thought for the consequences of its use. The paper concludes that the 20th century has put the IC engine to magnificent and extensive use and that, after a century, the current generation have learnt how to civilise the car and the truck, although many of these lessonshave yet to be put into universal practice. For the covering abstract seeITRD E139491.