Citation

Egan M, Petticrew M, Ogilvie D, Hamilton V. Am. J. Public Health 2003; 93(9): 1463-1471.

Affiliation

Medical Research Council Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 4 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RZ, Scotland, UK. matt@msoc.mrc.gla.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12948964

PMCID

PMC1447994

Abstract

We sought to synthesize evidence of the health

effects of construction of new roads by systematically reviewing observational

studies of such effects. We included and critically appraised 32 studies. The

review suggested that out-of-town bypasses decrease injuries on main roads

through or around towns, although more robust evidence is needed on effects on

secondary roads. New major urban roads have statistically insignificant effects

on injury incidence. New major roads between towns decrease injuries.

Out-of-town bypasses reduce disturbance and community severance in towns but

increase them elsewhere. Major urban roads increase disturbance and severance.

More robust research is needed in this area, particularly regarding effects of

new roads on respiratory health, mental health, access to health services, and

physical activity.