Reader Response Draft 1

According to Cox (2018), there is a possibility that smart road technology can be utilized as a crash-sensing ‘touchpad’ on highways. In the five-year trial, along a half-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 285, the road will be laid with “factory-made concrete slabs featuring wi-fi connectivity and embedded fiber optic cables that act as pressure sensors.” This sensor will detect, notify and dispatch help for vehicular issues through the internet. Smart roads will shorten the duration as they inform real-time warnings about traffic and road hazards, significantly increasing the quality of motorists’ safety. Hence, this information becomes the pillar of transportation. However, the article states that Schwartz from the civil and environmental engineering department at the University of Maryland had expressed his doubts regarding the consistency of the technology concerning technical disruptions and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, Colorado seems hopeful that this technology may aid in certain issues despite the reluctance in such investments. While there might be uncertainties regarding the smart pavement, the technology is time- and cost-effective, and enhances pavement condition.

 

Firstly, smart pavement is time- and cost-effective. In the article, Sylvester states that using precast slabs can reduce the total cost of ownership, increase the road’s life expectancy and reduce the duration of the construction process. Based on the article, the approximated duration taken by the crew from the Integrated Roadways to complete an installation had reduced from days to hours. Hence, proving that it is time-efficient to build the precast road. In addition, smart pavement made from precast is more sustainable and cost-effective than the traditional asphalt and concrete road. Therefore, it results in “95% less costly to install versus traditional highway construction and up to 80% less in the total cost of ownership” (Integrated Roadways, n.d.).

 

Secondly, the technology enhances the pavement condition. Based on the article, the technology can monitor the pavement’s condition and aids the transportation engineers to decide on the maintenance. In addition, the technology can provide important information on non-observable issues. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, if cracks are detected and resolve early before they worsen, it will result in lower usage of finances (Intel Corporation, n.d.).

 

In conclusion, I believe that while smart road technology may have questionable features and functions, its advantages outweigh the drawback, paving a path towards sustainable and time-effective infrastructure. 


Reference List:

Cox, D. (2018) Smart road technology could turn highways into crash-sensing ‘touchpads’ https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/can-smart-roads-save-lives-new-test-may-provide-answer-ncna885816

Integrated Roadways (n.d.) Say hello to the real information super highway

Paving, B. (2018) What is smart pavement? 
https://www.bennettpavingtx.com/what-is-smart-pavement/

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