Effects of maintenance

During recent years the focus of road management has shifted from investments to maintenance, which has accounted for about half of the total funding of basic road management. A problem encountered in assessing the effects of maintenance is that related information is splintered, partially out of date, and road management products have not been handled as a uniform entity. The objective of this study was to gather and categorize the current state of information on the effects of maintenance, present the most critical gaps in information and on that basis, analyze the need for further studies. Another goal of this study was to consider the necessity and content of tools, such as assessment guidelines, related to the assessment of the effects of maintenance. The analysis of information on effects was divided into different levels, and this study concentrated on analyzing development needs related to experienced effects. Assessment of effectiveness and related information needs, which are related to assessment of effects, were not included in this study. In general, it can be said that Finnra suffers from major deficiencies in information on the effects of maintenance. Information on effects exists as such, but it focuses on certain products and, on the other hand, certain effects. Effects on the road administration and the cost of procedures are particularly well known. The least is known about the effects of maintenance on driving costs, driving pleasure and experienced road safety. The study clearly indicated that Finnra has an abundance of planning and decision-making situations related to maintenance, such as specification of winter maintenance classes, which would require more detailed information on the effects of the products. On the basis of the study, Finnra should set up a development program as soon as possible to correct the lack of information on the effects of maintenance. The main focus of the development program should be on the effects of maintenance products. Studies of the effects of maintenance products have been conducted earlier as individual cases or concerning one product (winter maintenance). The subject has not been examined as a broader entity. Assessment of the effects of maintenance is currently hindered by deficiencies in assessment methods. As the methods are developed, in the future it will be possible to also estimate the social impact of maintenance. Data applicable in the assessment of the effects of maintenance already exist (e.g., LIITO, ASPAL, the bridge register). Ongoing studies are looking into the possibility of utilizing the material. Although there are still major gaps in related information, it is possible to compile assessment guidelines on the effects of maintenance. As a first step the existing information should be categorized, meaning existing information in literature and experts' knowledge should be gathered into one entity, such as a collection of links. Furthermore, Finnra should test software developed by the road administrations of Sweden and Norway that calculates the effects of maintenance and consider its usability in Finland. This report may be found at http://alk.tiehallinto. fi/julkaisut/pdf/3200931-vhoidon_ja_yllapid_vaik. pdf