The global construction industry is currently facing a paradigm shift as the environmental costs of traditional road-building practicesch are characterized by high energy consumption and heavy reliance on virgin aggregates which become increasingly unsustainable. This review tries to explores the critical necessity for sustainable innovation in pavement engineering to mitigate the ecological footprint of transportation infrastructure. By providing a comprehensive analysis of cutting-edge materials and technologies, this paper evaluates the benefits, technical limitations, and scalability of solutions transforming the industrythus leading to integration of recycled and waste-derived materials. The study examines the efficacy of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Reclaimed Concrete Aggregate (RCA) in reducing the demand for natural stone and bitumen. Furthermore, the incorporation of industrial by-products, such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and waste plastics, is analysed alongside the emergence of geo-polymers as a cement less alternative. These materials not only divert significant volumes of waste from landfills but also contribute to a circular economy by drastically lowering the embodied carbon of road layersthus shifting in advancements of low-carbon and bio-binders. The review highlights Warm-Mix Asphalt (WMA) technologies, which allow for production at significantly lower temperatures, thereby reducing fuel consumption and localized greenhouse gas emissions during paving. Additionally, the paper investigates the frontier of "smart" infrastructure, specifically self-healing materials designed to autonomously repair micro-cracks, thereby extending service life and reducing the lifecycle costs associated with maintenance. Despite these technological strides, the review identifies significant barriers to widespread adoption, including inconsistent regulatory frameworks, initial cost premiums, and technical performance uncertainties. Ultimately, this paper argues for a holistic approach that synchronizes material science with efficient structural design and robust policy support. Such a multi-faceted strategy is essential to creating a resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible transportation network or sustainable roads which are capable of meeting future climate goals.
Prakash Baral (Tue,) studied this question.