The report was presented this afternoon at a meeting of the Regional Development Committee by Professor Martin Snaith, a leading authority in the field of structural maintenance and road condition assessment.
Speaking about the report, Minister Murphy said: “I welcome the findings of this key report by an eminent expert in this field. The condition of the North’s roads is of vital importance to the economy and it is essential therefore that the road network is properly maintained to provide a safe and efficient road network.
“The report highlights the case for a significantly enhanced level of investment to carry out much needed maintenance repair work across the roads in the North. It is important that the Executive is aware of all funding challenges when deciding what its priorities should be.”
The report was commissioned following a meeting earlier this year, between DRD Officials and the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Development Committee.
The report, prepared for DRD Roads Service by Professor Martin Snaith, provides a comprehensive assessment of the level of investment required by Roads Service to maintain the existing road network.
The report recommends that the overall Structural Maintenance budget should be increased to around £108million per annum at today’s prices, giving an equivalent expenditure of around £4,300 per carriageway km. This is considerably lower than equivalent expenditure in England and Wales and comparable to that in the South.
Notes to Editors:
1. Professor Martin Snaith is an international authority in the field of structural maintenance strategy and road condition assessment. He has been an advisor to the World Bank on road maintenance issues, and until recently was Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. He has been advisor to the GB National Audit Office and a member of the Secretary of State for Transport’s ‘Gaffney’ Committee for determining maintenance policy for the Trunk Roads of England and Wales.
2. Structural Maintenance includes: Resurfacing / strengthening to give a strong, even, skid resistant surface; surface dressing – seals the surface and restores friction; patching – repairs localised defects; and structural drainage – protects road foundations.
3. All media enquires to DRD Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours, contact the Deputy Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned.
