BBC Two’s “The Secret Genius of Modern Life” takes viewers on a journey this Wednesday, exploring the often-overlooked brilliance behind Britain’s motorways. These 2,300 miles of tarmac are much more than just roads; they’re a feat of engineering, planning, and constant management.
Presenter Hannah Fry heads to the National Highways control center to see firsthand how these vital arteries are kept flowing 24/7. The episode also reveals the surprisingly diverse cast of characters involved in creating and maintaining the motorway system, from mathematicians calculating traffic flow to Formula 1 legends contributing to road design. Even a 1960s road-sign revolution gets its moment in the spotlight. “The Secret Genius of Modern Life” airs Wednesday, 30 April at 8:00 PM GMT on BBC Two.
