transportation infrastructure library

 

As populations swell, the movement of people and goods from one locale to another can have major impact on economics. Learn about roads, bridges and highway systems and the technology behind them.

Featured Article:  How Subways Work

London without the Tube? New York without its underground scene? Atlantans gliding straight from their MARTA stops to the airport? What would life be like without our underground transportation system? See more »

How Bridges Work

How Bridges Work

Bridges support tremendous weight, span huge distances and all the while withstand the greatest forces of nature. Find out about these engineering feats (as well as some of the flaws).

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How Gas Pumps Work

How Gas Pumps Work

You probably pass by several gas pumps on your daily commute, but you never pay them any attention -- until you need some gas, of course. Here's everything you'd ever want to know about them.

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How Intelligent Highways Will Work

How Intelligent Highways Will Work

If you were on the road for the holidays, you probably spent some time staring at the bumper in front of you. Can you imagine a world without gridlock?

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How Segways Work

How Segways Work

At first glance, it looks like a high-tech scooter. But people who have tried out the Segway claim that it is much, much more. Find out what's going on inside the Segway and what makes it so unique.

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How Subways Work

How Subways Work

London without the Tube? New York without its underground scene? Atlantans gliding straight from their MARTA stops to the airport? What would life be like without our underground transportation system?

See more »

How do truck weigh stations work?

While traveling along the Interstate, you may have noticed that truck weigh stations occasionally dot the highway. What are these weigh stations for, and how do they measure the weight of a truck? Find out the answer in this article.

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Is there any rhyme or reason to how U.S. interstate highways are numbered?

Is there any rhyme or reason to how U.S. interstate highways are numbered?

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What is a funicular railway?

In the news about the recent accident at a ski resort in Austria, the reporters called the cable car that carried the skiers up the mountain a "funicular railway." What is that and how does it work?

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Why are the insides of tunnels usually covered in ceramic tile?

I've noticed that the insides of road and subway tunnels are usually covered in ceramic tile. Is there any particular reason for this or is it simply convention?

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