Turnpike Act
Concern about the awful state of English roads led to the passing of the Turnpike Act. This meant that Toll Gates could be established, to collect money from travellers who passed by. Like most of the measures which had gone before, it was not completely successful. In fact, if anything, road conditions in these unhappy days fell to an all-time low. But it was not until the 18th Century that things began to improve. Military Intervention And The Roadbuilding RevolutionGeneral George Wade implemented a road building programme that was to eventually produce the best UK roads for more than 1,000 years. Like the Romans, Wade knew about the importance of good drainage and good foundations. And so did "Blind Jack" Metcalf who followed in his footsteps. At about that time, men like Thomas Telford and John McAdam arrived on the scene to truly revolutionise road making.
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Telford was a brilliant engineer who built canals and bridges as well as more than 1,000 miles of splendid roads at home and abroad. McAdam too was a giant among British roadbuilders. Both men engineered roads on the principle that the heavy iron-rimmed wheels of the vehicles which used them would pulverise the road surface, and rainwater would bind the dust, forming a smooth hard surface. But unlike Telford, McAdam didn't believe in elaborate foundations. And thanks to good drainage, his roads lasted almost as long at much less expense. These were the men who re-invented roadbuilding by applying sound common sense and good engineering principles to their design and construction.
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