The study evaluates methods used in resource allocation and distribution for maintenance and rehabilitation works, taking due account of the prevailing political, economic and social context and perceived problems in OECD Member countries. It proposes guidelines for best and flexible practices to be instituted in widely differing institutional frameworks of Member countries. Chapter I describes the technical, social, political and economic factors in the decision making process. In Chapter II road systems, funding practices and organisational structures of OECD countries are surveyed. Chapter III reviews road programme preparation, and funding allocation and Chapter IV discusses the analytical background needed to support an engineering-economic approach to road maintenance. Calculating of benefits and costs are presented in Chapter V, characterisation and measurement of road conditions in Chapter VI, and environment and other externalities in Chapter VII. Chapter VIII presents a recapitulation of best practices, and Chapter IX given "ten commandments" for implementing effective reource allocation policies for road rehabilitation and maintenance works. Under current budget constraints for new road construction projects, road maintenance and rehabilitation has a key position in preserving the value of the road asset, and esuring improved service to road users. The report provides road administration managers and engineers with rational resource allocation methods based on rigorous scientific and technico-economic analysis.
Abstract