Ep 29. Dangerous Roads

Modern Marvels Season 15 Episode 29, titled "Dangerous Roads," explores the treacherous conditions and challenging terrains faced by drivers on some of the world's most dangerous highways.

The episode begins with a look at the Trans-Siberian Highway in Russia, which stretches across 11 time zones and over 11,000 kilometers. Drivers on this highway face extreme weather conditions, such as blizzards and icy roads, as well as the risk of encountering wild animals like moose and bears. We learn about the challenges of constructing and maintaining a highway of this scale, and the efforts made by Russian authorities to ensure the safety of drivers.

Next, the episode takes us to Bolivia, where the North Yungas Road, also known as the "Death Road," has claimed the lives of thousands of people over the years. This narrow, unpaved road winds through the Andes mountains, with steep cliffs on one side and sheer rock faces on the other. We learn about the history of the road and the challenges faced by the Bolivian government as they work to improve its safety.

Moving on to the United States, the episode explores the Dalton Highway in Alaska, a remote and rugged road that stretches over 400 miles from Prudhoe Bay to the town of Fairbanks. Originally built to support the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, the Dalton Highway is now used by truckers and other travelers who brave its icy conditions and lack of services. We hear from drivers who share their experiences on this challenging road, and learn about the efforts made to keep it open year-round.

The episode also features the Hana Highway in Hawaii, which winds through some of the most scenic parts of the state's Maui island. Despite its beauty, the road is known for its narrow lanes, sharp turns, and the risk of landslides. The episode explores the history of the road and the challenges faced by those who work to maintain it.

Finally, we travel to Nepal to explore the Karnali Highway, which runs through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the world. This unpaved road is prone to landslides and flash floods, and drivers must navigate steep inclines and narrow ledges. The episode showcases the incredible engineering required to build and maintain a road in such a challenging environment, as well as the importance of this highway for the people who live in the region.

Throughout the episode, we hear from experts and drivers who share their insights on the challenges faced by those who travel these dangerous roads. From extreme weather conditions to the hazards of navigating narrow and winding roads, the dangers are clear. However, we also learn about the importance of these highways for the communities and industries they support, and the efforts made to improve their safety. Overall, this episode of Modern Marvels offers a fascinating look at some of the world's most dangerous but essential roads.