On the Road Again

The Road Ahead: How America’s Highways, Traffic Signs, and Speed Limits Came to Be (And Why Road Construction Takes Forever)

Ever sit in traffic and wonder, “Who decided that stop signs should be red?” or “Why on earth does it take six months to fix a single pothole?” Maybe you’ve even pondered why Americans drive on the right while our friends across the pond in the UK stick to the left. If you’ve ever asked these questions, you’re not alone. The story behind America’s road system is full of history, logic (sometimes questionable), and, of course, a little red tape. Buckle up—we’re taking a journey through the creation of our highways, the colors of traffic signs, and why it seems like road construction takes longer than your average Hollywood sequel.

How the Road System Came to Be

Let’s travel back to the early 1900s. Horses were starting to give way to Model Ts, and it became pretty clear that America needed some kind of standardized road system. The federal government got involved with the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1921, but it wasn’t until President Dwight D. Eisenhower—inspired by the efficiency of Germany’s autobahn during WWII—that the U.S. began constructing the Interstate Highway System in 1956.

The plan? A network of roads that would crisscross the country and allow for faster travel and easier transport of goods. The system was built with defense in mind, too—it wasn’t just about making Sunday drives easier; it was also about mobilizing military forces in case of an emergency. So yes, the next time you’re stuck on I-95, just remember: the road was designed to handle tanks. Too bad it’s bumper-to-bumper with sedans instead.

Why America Chose to Drive on the Right Side

Now, why do Americans drive on the right? As with most American traditions, it has roots in both practicality and rebellion.

In colonial times, driving practices were inconsistent across the young nation. Some states had people driving on the left, while others used the right. However, the idea of driving on the right started to gain traction as settlers moved westward. In the wide-open frontier, people driving large wagons pulled by teams of horses found it easier to keep the team on the right side of the road to better control the animals.

But that’s only half the story. When Henry Ford started mass-producing cars with the Model T, he positioned the driver’s seat on the left side of the car, meaning it made sense to drive on the right so drivers could better judge oncoming traffic. Fun fact: this wasn’t just about convenience; Ford was also subtly distancing the United States from Britain, where driving on the left was standard. So, chalk it up to early automotive design and a bit of post-colonial independence.

Why Traffic Signs Have Their Colors

Let’s talk about the colors of traffic signs. These colors didn’t just come out of nowhere. Each hue was chosen based on visibility and psychological impact—yes, your brain is being influenced every time you hit the road.

• Red: The color red was chosen for stop signs because it grabs attention (probably because it’s the same color as our ancestors’ “Danger! Lion!” signal). It wasn’t until 1954, though, that all stop signs became the red, octagonal icons we know today. Before that? Some were yellow, white, or even black and white.
• Yellow: This color is used for warning signs because it’s visible from a distance but doesn’t scream urgency like red. Think of it as the calm older sibling to the frantic stop sign. Yellow signs tell you to slow down, but they’re not going to yell at you about it.
• Green: Green signals direction. It’s calming, informative, and easy on the eyes. When you’re navigating a highway at 70 mph, a calm green sign reassuring you that your exit is just ahead is far more effective than something loud and alarming.
• White: These are your standard regulatory signs—speed limits, no parking zones, etc. Clean, straightforward, no nonsense. Just follow the rules, please.
• Orange: Speaking of orange, this color gets the blame for construction signs. Why? Because orange stands out, particularly against the gray and black tones of the road. It’s practically impossible to miss—unless you’re trying to ignore it during your morning commute.

Speed Limits: How Are They Calculated?

Now, speed limits might seem arbitrary, but they’re (mostly) based on actual data. Speed limits are generally determined by measuring the speed at which 85% of drivers naturally travel on a particular stretch of road without law enforcement present. This is called the 85th percentile rule.

Here’s how it works: Traffic engineers analyze how fast people are driving and set the limit just below that speed. In theory, this creates a safe flow of traffic. However, as you might have noticed, speed limits vary widely across different states and roads. For example, Texas has the highest speed limit in the U.S. at 85 mph, while the average on urban roads hovers around 35 mph.

Of course, local governments can (and do) set limits lower than the 85th percentile for safety reasons—schools, pedestrian-heavy areas, or winding mountain roads—much to the frustration of speed demons everywhere.

Road Construction: Why Does It Take So Long?

Ah, road construction—the bane of every commuter’s existence. Ever wonder why it seems to take forever to fix a pothole or repave a stretch of highway? The answer lies in a cocktail of bureaucracy, labor, and a few unexpected factors.

First, road projects often involve multiple layers of approval—from local government to state officials. Once approved, they need to secure funding, which can take time. Then comes the planning phase, where engineers analyze traffic patterns, environmental impact, and long-term usage. After that, the actual work begins.

So why does it feel like nothing is happening for months? One word: weather. Crews can’t work efficiently during rain, extreme heat, or freezing conditions. Add in the fact that many states need to schedule around peak traffic hours (to avoid completely shutting down a city), and projects often take longer than expected.

A fun tidbit: Boston’s “Big Dig” project—originally estimated to take seven years and cost $2.6 billion—ended up taking 16 years and costing $14.6 billion. It was, at the time, the most expensive highway project in U.S. history. So, the next time you’re sitting in traffic due to construction, just remember: It could be worse.

The Road Ahead: Questions to Ponder

As you sit at your next red light or weave through construction cones on your way to work, consider these lingering questions:

•  Why do Americans stick to speed limits so loosely? Would higher speed limits reduce congestion or just lead to more accidents?
• Is the 85th percentile rule really the best way to set speed limits? Or is it time to rethink how we approach traffic flow?
• Should the U.S. switch to driving on the left side of the road? Unlikely, but it would certainly shake things up!
• And finally, when will we crack the code to fixing potholes faster? It’s 2024—surely we can figure out something better than filling them one by one.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Through the Road System

So, next time you’re stuck in traffic or cursing at a roadwork sign, remember that our road system, like all things, has a history rooted in practical (and sometimes rebellious) decisions. From driving on the right to red stop signs to speed limits based on how fast we feel like driving, there’s a method—though not always the fastest or most efficient one—behind the madness.

Now, go forth and drive carefully. Just remember to wave at the orange construction cones along the way—they might be around for a while.