Future Development of the Art and Science of Highway Engineering

assigned a subject that entices the Imagination to wander in distant fields, Tha truly fantastic magnitude of this engineering product we presently term highway transport, and the depths and ramifications of-its penetration Into the social and economic patterns of our national life, defy full understanding.The projection of its future eutreaches the accepted methods of prophecy.Fortune-telling and crystal-ball gazing are net practiced by the engineering profession.It may be that, in his complete disdain of these ancient arts, the engineer hitherto has forfeited in some measure means to the leadership of public thought and public policies that he is by training and experience fitted to command.Certainly it will be accepted generally that far-seeing leadership is needed now la the whole field of highway engineering in a degree far surpassing the ; requirements of the past.But, in place of the illusions of the crystal ball, the experienced engineer now has proven techniques and yardsticks approaching dJtvinatiolt power, to ascertain the factual components ef a soundly charted course into the future.