ROAD MAINTENANCE
Road maintenance is essential in order to
(1) preserve the road in its originally constructed condition,
(2) protect adjacent resources and user safety,
provide efficient, convenient travel along the route.
Unfortunately, maintenance is often neglected or improperly performed resulting in rapid deterioration of the road and eventual failure from both climatic and vehicle use impacts. It follows that it is impossible to build and use a road that requires no maintenance.
In order to plan for road maintenance needs, it is important to keep a complete set of "as built" plans and records of all maintenance operations and observations. The as built plan should contain the following:
Complete job index
Complete history of project from planning stage to construction
Photographic records
Exact location and observations of any unstable conditions in relation to the road location
Exact location of culverts and other drainage features
Wet areas that may have required additional excavation and replacement with more suitable ballast backfield materials
All major changes made to the original plan
Probably the most valuable tool for any maintenance program is the knowledge and experience gained by individuals performing the maintenance. Every effort should be made to retain competent, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals in these positions not only from the standpoint of instituting and executing a good maintenance program, but for future road planning needs as well.
In deciding on an appropriate level of maintenance for a particular road or road segment, consideration must be given to the amount and type of vehicle use and physiographic and climatic variables which may impact drainage structures.