Roads, something we use every single day. We complain about them when they are not as smooth as glass, when they are congested we complain about all the "idiots" with whom we must share it with. And when in inclement weather we wonder when they will be clear enough to drive on them. But what is the point of roads? The easy answer is they help you get from point A to point B. but they are more than that. Much more, they were the means Rome used to conquer the ancient World, it wasn't just their army, after all what use is an army if you can't get it to where it is needed? The Romans built roads, and not just any roads, these roads made it possible for not just their armies to march into the history books, but their culture too, after all there are reports of Roman diplomats in China, India, and a plethora of out of the way places. Roads provide an efficient way to move people and goods places, The Roman empire proved that an excellent, efficiently designed infrastructure is the key to greatness. The United States is another prime example, roads were so important that it was written into the Constitution that roads must be built and maintained for the Post.
Nowadays we have roads everywhere, well everywhere but in the wilderness areas here in Idaho, Montana and up in Alaska. We have Interstate highways, state roads, county roads and city roads. and what is the point of all these roads? Commerce, thats right commerce. after all think of what you use roads for, going to the grocery store, the mall, to go see your favourite team play in Glendale Arizona on January 4th, and several other uses, and even if your using them just to drive you still have to get fuel.
But what happens when roads aren't well maintained? what happens when they fall apart, when the bridges fail, when the elements break up the road surface, when landslides and disuse leave them impassable? What happens then? Rome provides the answer, its roads began to fall into misuse and disuse, and shortly after its gates were in ruins, its treasures scattered, its armies broken, and a dark age began in Europe.
Roads are important. and that is why when plans were announced to replace the aging bridge over Interstate 86 here in American Falls, Idaho I was excited. Not only will a road in dire need of upgrading be made new, but it also means money, in the time that it takes to build a new bridges the workers will need housing, they will need food, and since they are well paid, they will have money to spend in our little downtown area. how could this be anything but great? And when the work is done it will be easier for business to be done in town, and more importantly, it will be easier to get in and out of town.
To Be Continued!