Early intervention - why we don't surface dress the worst condition roads
The diagram below demonstrates the benefit of focusing maintenance on amber roads (roads in the middle category) rather than our worst roads (red roads) due to the cost difference in treating amber over red roads; i.e. lower cost = higher coverage. The diagram shows that an asset deteriorates from first construction throughout its life. Early intervention costs less to return to “as new” condition (green roads), than waiting for an asset to fail and carry out costly structural repairs.
Diagram illustrating the benefit of focusing maintenance on amber roads
Lifecycle modelling has demonstrated that investment in amber condition roads will mitigate the decline of these roads into red condition. The modelling demonstrated that the decline will happen at a greater rate than red roads can be repaired. This investment offers good value for money.
You find out more about the Highways Asset Management Strategy 2018-2024 on the council website