What are 'retaining walls' used for in highway construction?

Retaining walls play a crucial role in highway construction primarily by holding back soil and preventing erosion. They are structures designed to retain soil, especially in areas where there is a change in elevation, such as on hillsides or near road embankments. By doing this, retaining walls provide stability to the roadway and adjacent areas, mitigating the risk of landslides or soil erosion that could compromise the integrity of the road and surrounding infrastructure.

In highway construction, effective soil retention is vital for safe road design and maintenance. Without retaining walls in sloped areas, the weight and pressure of the soil could lead to degradation, destabilization, and ultimately, disruptions to the road network. The design and material choice of retaining walls can vary depending on the specific needs of the site, but their fundamental purpose remains focused on soil retention and protection.

While enhancing the visual appearance of roads, supporting pavement against traffic loads, and separating different lanes of traffic are also important aspects of highway design, they do not reflect the primary function of retaining walls and their significance in addressing soil and erosion challenges.