The Road Taken: The History and Future of America's Infrastructure

About this book

A renowned historian and engineer explores the past present and future of Americas crumbling infrastructure. Acclaimed engineer and historian Henry Petroski explores our core infrastructure from both historical and contemporary perspectives explaining how essential their maintenance is to Americas economic health. Petroski reveals the genesis of the many parts of Americas highway system--our interstate numbering system the centerline that divides roads and such taken-for-granted objects as guardrails stop signs and traffic lights--all crucial to our national and local infrastructure. A compelling work of history The Road Taken is also an urgent clarion call aimed at American citizens politicians and anyone with a vested interest in our economic well-being. Physical infrastructure in the United States is crumbling and Petroski reveals the complex and challenging interplay between government and industry inherent in major infrastructure improvement. The road we take in the next decade toward rebuilding our aging infrastructure will in large part determine our future national prosperity.