For most of us, as we walk around our local area, it is a common occurrence to stumble upon some construction going on the road, which usually results in the road closing.
Bus lines change, trains become crowded, eventually ending up delayed and cancelled, and then we all end up being late!
Well, because roadworks and construction around us have become so common, we often don’t even think of why they are there in the first place. Of course, there are the obvious reasons.
Roads are constantly degrading and need to be replaced and repaired fairly often and this needs to happen so that roads are useable.
But have you ever wondered why in every corner of every road there’s always something going on?
In my local area, Wimbledon, roadworks can last from just a week to months of diverted buses and road closures.
However, these happen for more than just one reason than just feeling like an inconvenience.
When asked about roadworks, local student, Ivi Antonopoulou, says that, “Recently, there have been roadworks everywhere and they are a real inconvenience to daily travel. I am not sure why they are even there most of the time!”
Personally, I’ve also never really thought about the different reasons why roads are blocked.
I always just thought that there was some annoying reason behind it that didn’t matter to me because I had to change my plans because of it.
Most of these closures and constructions are planned and they are actually for our own safety most of the time, as well as for things we don’t even think about.
There is constant information on websites with clear details about when roadworks are and why they are there to help you plan around them.
But really, the range of important explanations behind each and every closure is actually quite surprising.
For example, in some places, works are needed to install new cycle lanes and crossing points.
A different company might handle adding temporary traffic lights to enable water works.
It can be for carriageway repair works, to enable inspections and maintenance as well as gas mains replacement.
These can range from taking 3 working days to even until the next year!
The point is, a lot of work goes into our roads and this takes a lot of time and effort and most of the time it is for our own benefit in the longer term.
It often feels like roadworks are constantly there because maintaining, upgrading and expanding transportation infrastructure is a continuous process.
Some of these things are completely out of anyone’s control as well, for example, as populations grow and urban areas expand, existing roads may no longer meet the amount of traffic there is and lanes need to be expanded or intersections need to be improved.
These are all ongoing projects.
Most of these things are not controllable like weather problems or seasonal repairs.
These emergencies may need immediate roadworks, which adds to the perception of constant activity.
This process feels never-ending because once one set of construction is completed, others begin elsewhere, creating the illusion of infinite roadworks.
In densely populated areas, like Wimbledon, delays and disruptions are even more noticeable which emphasises this view.
So, even though construction and roadworks can feel like an inconvenience, we should all learn that they are for our benefit and that it is all for a reason.
