History
The International Road Federation (IRF) was established in 1948 following the end of World War II, when it became apparent that there was a pressing need for an international organization to attract attention to the growing economic and social importance of sound road infrastructure. Many countries had sustained massive damage to their roads and bridges during the war, while in other countries, the emphasis on a wartime economy, coupled with shortages of gasoline and road-building materials, road networks were neglected and in urgent need of improvement.
New road building technologies and more efficient utilization of highway transport had been developed during the war. However, these were understood and applied in only a relatively few countries. Governments were eager to expand their economies and improve living standards, yet lacked the experience, technology and financial resources to put long-range national highway programs into effect.
The founders of the IRF were alert to this opportunity. They saw a chance to inspire a worldwide campaign. As a global organization, the IRF was charged with the responsibility to encourage the planning and financing to build national and international road networks, and to provide advice to help ensure maximum return for road investments throughout the world.
Adopted in 1949, the IRF’s landmark slogan “Better Roads for Better Living” captured the spirit of those founding members of this unique global federation. Today, the IRF carries on in that same spirit, working with public and private stakeholders to build better, safer roads and road networks for a better world.
