John McAdam's Roadway Revolution Spreads to America: Paving the Way for Efficient Transportation

🛣️🧙‍♂️ The ideas of Scotsman John McAdam revolutionized English and American roadbuilding after about 1820. He did not believe in massive foundation courses and argued that the native soil alone supported the road and the traffic.

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McAdam introduced the road crust first in Bristol—a shield guarding against dampness and wear. This smart move increased road durability and decreased maintenance, showcasing his foresight.

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The "macadam roads," named after him, were 6 to 10 inches thick and made of carefully selected angular stones. 🪨🪨Compacted by traffic, they formed a solid surface—an engineering marvel. McAdam's ideas resonated in the U.S. 🇺🇸 The Boonsborough to Hagerstown turnpike in Maryland was the first project using his concepts (1823), revolutionizing American roadways.

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McAdam's legacy lies in his efficient and cost-effective road construction, his focus on accommodating all traffic types, and his commitment to maintaining roads through professional asset management. 🌐🚀