Future highways to use solar road ways and self-healing concrete

Researchers of the the University of Bath, Cardiff University and the University of Cambridge have created a self healing concrete blend, which is full of bacteria hidden in tiny capsules and could fill road-potholes easily.

Idea behind the invention is quite simple. The scientists have developed a new form of concrete that is riddled with bacteria. When water seeps into a crack in a road, ready to form a pothole, the bacteria spring into action, producing limestone to seal the gap before the concrete can cave in.

The scientists believe the technique could vastly increase the life of concrete, remove the need for repairs, and reduce costs by up to 50%.

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere would be lower because there would be no need to constantly replace roads. More than 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions are due to cement production.

Other innovations include replacing conventional road surfaces with solar panels that would contain LED lighting and heating elements to melt snow.