To get a first-hand experience of the latest techniques in highway engineering, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari took an 800-km road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, completing the journey in 10 hours.
"Minister of Road Transport, Highways & Shipping Nitin Gadkari undertook a coastal drive by road from San Francisco to Los Angeles to gain first-hand experience of the latest techniques in road engineering, highway construction, road signage and other effective measures for road safety along this prestigious ocean route," an official statement said here.
On the last leg of his week-long official visit to the US, Gadkari left San Francisco early in the morning yesterday by road and completed the journey in 10 hours covering a distance of 800 kms along the West Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the ministry said in the statement.
As Gadkari put it, the idea is to understand the technology, machinery and construction material being used in the US in constructing and maintaining overhangs and cliffs along the coastline and the engineering involved in improvement of projects -- both on and off the highway system.
The ministry is overseeing construction of national highways in the difficult terrain of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the North-East and Himalayas - from Pithoragarh to Mansarovar and from Haridwar to Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath and Kedarnath.
According to the statement, the minister was "impressed" by the tunneling technology and the roadside amenities.
Gadkari also took note of the projects designed to fix bumpy pavements, preserve roads and upgrade bridges to make them safer and stronger.
"These highways and coastal roads are regularly maintained and upgraded with crash barriers, signage to make all-weather travel safe," officials told Gadkari.
"The minister also witnessed improved safety measures such as metal screens and mesh along the hilly terrain to prevent landslides from hitting roads, road markings, proper signage with adequate warning signals, besides SOS call boxes being run with solar panels," the statement added.
He was informed that the maintenance staff in the US works day and night to keep the highways clear and safe.
