Here’s a way to save lives, curb traffic jams and make commutes faster and easier − ban left turns at intersections

Even though research supports the change, most cities have been slow to ban left turns at even the most congested intersections.

Vikash V. Gayah, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Penn State • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~8 min

Recycling asphalt pavement can help the environment − now scientists are putting the safety of recycled pavement to the test

Engineers came up with a set of tests to make sure reclaimed asphalt pavement resists skidding and sliding when wet.

Baoshan Huang, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
May 8, 2025 • ~6 min

Toad patrol volunteers are ensuring frisky amphibians can cross the road to reach their mating grounds

Despite dutiful toad patrols, evidence suggests that the amphibians are declining in the UK.

Becky Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, Royal Holloway University of London • conversation
March 11, 2025 • ~5 min

Think you’re better at driving than most? How psychological biases are keeping our roads unsafe

Research shows we have a culture of thinking it’s normal to break driving laws.

Gemma Briggs, Professor of Applied Cognitive Psychology, The Open University • conversation
Sept. 5, 2024 • ~7 min

Ancient Rome had ways to counter the urban heat island effect – how history’s lessons apply to cities today

As summer temperatures rise, finding ways to build cities that don’t hold in the heat and can provide some cooling is increasingly important.

Brian Stone Jr., Professor of Environmental Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Aug. 19, 2024 • ~8 min

Stuck bridges, buckling roads − extreme heat is wreaking havoc on America’s aging infrastructure

A civil engineer explains why roadways and rails warp and crack in the heat − and points to some innovative ways to keep the US transportation system healthy as long as possible.

Suyun Paul Ham, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington • conversation
Aug. 5, 2024 • ~8 min

How roads are reshaping and scarring our planet, and even changing animals’ DNA

‘Road ecology’ is the focus of Crossings, a powerful new book by environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb.

Lauren Moore, Researcher in Road Ecology, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
July 25, 2024 • ~8 min

What’s the science behind potholes?

What causes potholes? An expert explains how they form, the effect of weather, and the best way to fix them.

Eric Stann-Missouri • futurity
May 29, 2024 • ~3 min

What are roads made of? A pavement materials engineer explains the science behind the asphalt you drive on

Summer means road construction − but what kind of engineering goes into laying down pavement?

Mansour Solaimanian, Associate Research Professor, Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Penn State • conversation
May 10, 2024 • ~7 min

Baltimore Key Bridge: how a domino effect brought it down in seconds

We’ll need to learn the lessons from this disaster.

Mohamed Shaheen, Lecturer in Structural Engineering, Loughborough University • conversation
March 28, 2024 • ~5 min

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