Development of roads - METCALF CONSTRUCTIONS

METCALF CONSTRUCTION

          John Metcalf (1717-1810) was the first of the great road builders during the transport Revolution. He was a remarkable man, who had been blind since the age of six, but went on to build about 300 km of turnpike road mainly in Lancashire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Yorkshire, in the period of 1765-1792.

          Metcalf believed that a good road should have good Foundation, be well drained and have a smooth convex (rounded) surface to allow rainwater to drain quickly into ditches at the side of the road. Metcalf established his reputation as a road builder, particularly, by building a good dry Road across Marshland. Other engineers through it could not be done but Metcalf accomplished the task by first making a foundation of Brushwood and heather. He showed the importance of good drainage, since it was rain which caused most of the problem on the roads. During the time that Metcalf was working his road needed to repair and could be used for several years.