Solar roadways
Solar roadways are a relatively new concept. If developed, they would allow highways, roads, parking lots, driveways and pavements to create electricity, using photovoltaics. Traditional asphalt and concrete surfaces could instead be replaced by super-strong, self-healing glass and solar panels capable of being driven and walked upon.
Besides the production of clean energy, these hi-tech surfaces would have other advantages. In northern climates, for example, they could heat themselves with embedded heating elements (similar to the rear window of a car), eliminating ice and snow buildup. Cities would no longer have the expense of snow removal and the problems caused by the chemicals (salt, magnesium chloride, etc.) used to maintain clear roads. Businesses would no longer have to worry about keeping their parking lots cleared, while homeowners would no longer have to suffer through winters of shovelling or ploughing snow off their driveways and sidewalks. A large number of deaths and injuries would be prevented just by keeping the roads safe and dry.
LED signage could be built in, creating "smart" roads that dynamically responded to traffic, weather, emergencies and other events. For example, if an animal tried to cross, oncoming drivers would be instantly alerted and given plenty of time to slow down.