Smart materials are rapidly gaining importance in civil engineering due to their ability to improve the performance of structures and infrastructure systems. The integration of smart materials in civil engineering offers numerous benefits such as improved durability, enhanced sensing capabilities, and increased energy efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of the latest developments and applications of smart materials in civil engineering especially suitable for the transport sector. The review covers the types of smart materials which can be used in the construction of roads, their properties, and the various applications of smart materials in the construction and maintenance of civil engineering structures. This research will also focus on the comparative study of the different smart construction materials and assess the usability and environmental impact of widespread use if promoted. The paper also discusses the challenges associated with the implementation of smart materials in the civil engineering sector like transportation network development and the future research directions in this field. The review emphasizes the significant potential of innovative materials in revolutionizing the design and construction of civil engineering structures, especially roads. This review paper then recommends the most suitable materials for construction which can be promoted for widespread use based on some selected parameters as discussed in the paper.