'The Road Taken' Uncovers the Civil Engineer's Hand in Building America's Roads

Nathan Masters reviews the new book by historian Henry Petroski, "The Road Taken," a historical look at America's roads and the civil engineers who built them.

1 minute read

February 29, 2016, 9:00 AM PST

By jwilliams @jwillia22

In his new book The Road Taken, Duke University historian Henry Petroski attempts to tell the story of civil engineers in the construction of America's modern road network. Writing in the Los Angeles Times, Nathan Masters commends the book for going into the minutiae of road design by revealing interesting backstories while also advocating for greater investment in our aging infrastructure.

Petroski also delves into future technologies that may reshape the way our current infrastructure operates and is repaired. But the overall theme of the book, as indicated by the title, is the future investment in our aging roads and bridges. Will funding levels meet demand or will our roads continue to crumble below us?

FULL STORY: Review The freeway that looked like the future in 1940? Now, not so much. Nathan Masters on 'The Road Taken'

Thursday, February 11, 2016 in Los Angeles Times

Infrastructure United States The Road Taken Henry Petroski Book Review Aging Infrastructure View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.