Having the exact same problem;
Game (v1.0.3.367) crashes whenever I try to use any (not just roads) build option
Every word in the game starts with a '&'
The tutorial seems to be missing (only getting a text like '&Tutorial_01_')
I have the Limeted Edition I downloaded from Steam
I updated all my drivers and reinstalled the game 3x
My system;
Vista 32
Q9550 (stock speeds)
GTX280 (stock speeds)
4gb
I used the support option on their website and they replied withing 3 hours asking for more info, if they have a fix I will let you know (you might want to use the support option as well, they might want to fix it faster )