Late in 1947, following a meeting of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, a small group consisting of M. Gallienne (Union Routiere de France), M. Britschgi (Federation Routiere Suisse) and several prominent American and European business leaders met in Paris to discuss the founding of an international organisation to weld together the “Good Roads Associations” existing in many countries. Inspired by the economic and social benefits which had been dramatically demonstrated in those countries having road associations, the advantages of projecting this activity to a worldwide level was obvious.

The response of industry directly interested in Road Transport to the suggestion of an International Road Federation was immediate and whole-hearted. Allied organisations such as Automobile Clubs, Road Construction Societies and others warmly welcomed one over-all organisation to express the economic need for Good Roads.

The International Road Federation (IRF) was born in 1948 with two offices: one in London, and another one in Washington. Executive Directors were appointed and a secretariat team assigned. The Statutes of both contained the same objectives directed towards promoting the development of Good Roads. Washington would conduct its work in the Western Hemisphere and London in Europe, Africa, and Asia.