Skip to main content

Extending the life of road assets

In an opinion piece published by the IRF, Matthew Jordan-Tank, head of infrastructure policy and IPPF, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has explained that extending the functional life of road assets can be achieved using performance-based contracts. In most developing and merging market economies, roads require rehabilitation, or even reconstruction, many years prior to the expected date. Simply put: usable life is not equal to design life, and it is not uncommon to find that a ro
April 7, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
RSSIn an opinion piece published by the 3918 IRF Washington, Matthew Jordan-Tank, head of infrastructure policy and IPPF, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has explained that extending the functional life of road assets can be achieved using performance-based contracts.

In most developing and merging market economies, roads require rehabilitation, or even reconstruction, many years prior to the expected date. Simply put: usable life is not equal to design life, and it is not uncommon to find that a road must be rehabilitated only halfway into its estimated original asset duration. While harsh climate conditions with large seasonal temperature changes may play a role, much of this 'premature' investment boils down to lack of systematic maintenance that is normally applied in countries with regular 'asset management' funding regimes.

Applying performance-based maintenance contracting to the road sector can produce significant fiscal improvements, as well as user benefits in the form of better maintained and therefore safer roads.

EBRD recently published a paper providing a condensed yet substantive overview of the key international lessons learned in the area of performance-based contracts.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Crossing the Alps for five decades
    March 24, 2020
    Italy’s A22 Autostrada route is a key transport connection for Europe and also a model for efficient operational management
  • New ADTs offer low emissions performance and fast cycle times
    December 2, 2014
    Its incredible versatility means that the articulated dumptruck (ADT) has become a popular piece of equipment for quarrying or earthmoving applications. For quarrying in particular, the machines are highly useful as they are able to cope with steeper ramp hauls and tougher terrain than rigid haulers offering similar payloads.
  • Russian road deals
    February 24, 2012
    A notable partnership deal looks set to provide funding for key Russian highway projects. A memorandum of co-operation has been signed between the state-owned Russian Highways (Avtodor) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
  • Quality road markings deliver greater road safety
    February 24, 2012
    Special high quality glass beads provide a vital part of the solution with road markings, particularly in the dark. In the European Union alone, roughly one-third of traffic accidents involving injuries happen at night, although only 20% of all traffic flows after dark.