Government, trusts, and the making of better roads in early nineteenth century England and Wales

Government, trusts, and the making of better roads in early nineteenth century England and Wales. Alan Rosevear, Dan Bogart & Leigh Shaw-Taylor. Univ. of California at Irvine, Aug 31 2022. https://www.economics.uci.edu/files/docs/workingpapers/2021-2022/turnpike_road_quality%20after_31_Aug_2022.pdf

Abstract: This paper introduces new data to explain how public, private, and non-profit sectors sponsored, financed, and technically developed better roads in early 19th century England and Wales. Our findings show that central Government direct financing was limited to sections of the politically important London-Holyhead Mail Road. By comparison non-profit organizations, known as turnpike trusts, built more new roads by attracting private investors and capable surveyors. We also show the Government Mail Road had the highest quality. Nevertheless, most turnpike trust roads were good quality, indicating their practical achievements. The  broader implications for infrastructure and state capacity are also explained. 

Keywords: State capacity, infrastructure, roads, turnpike trusts, non-profit sector, public private partnerships

JEL: N7, N4, H1, R4