The Enhanced Road Condition Project (ERCP) is an initiative of the Department of Main Roads and Queensland Treasury to demonstrate the perceived benefits of alternative strategies for the planning and delivery of programmed maintenance and rehabilitation of road pavements. The client provided a base case funding scenario where the available funds were spent in equal annual amounts over a 10 year period. In its offer the contractor was required to propose a pavement maintenance and rehabilitation program for a two year period which would provide enhanced condition immediately and would not lead to a condition worse than that of the base case at the end of the 10 year evaluation period. In addition the enhanced program was not to cost more than the base case over that period. The total budget was $20 million. The works program had to be supported by a feasibility study. This paper discusses the role of the successful contractor from pre-tender modelling, using HDM-III, through to project implementation and initial evaluation. The contractor, because of the scope of works was able to implement a number of innovations in the areas of material and improvement of ride quality. It is clear that the concept of an accelerated works program can lead to significant short and long term benefits to a road network. The economic benefits are also impressive. Indications to date are that all of the objectives of the project together with the performance predictions will be met. The mode of delivery and network improvements have had immediate positive economic benefits to the communities of the South Burnett District of Queensland. These benefits will continue in the long term. (a)
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