An invaluable asset for the public, road infrastructure is a system of major and minor roads, expressways, bridges, tunnels, interchanges, and other transportation networks that facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services. It takes into account the planning, construction, maintenance, and management of these components in order to ensure the safe and efficient transport of vehicles, pedestrians, and goods.
Road infrastructure is fundamental to economic development and growth in the country, as well as providing significant social benefits. Generally, a community relies heavily on a reliable road network to access employment, healthcare, education, and welfare services. With a well-developed infrastructure, a country can generate new businesses and investments. This may also lead to increased sales and profits for businesses due to the convenience of transporting goods and services both domestically and internationally.
What is Road Maintenance?
Due to overexposure to traffic and the forces of nature, road maintenance refers to the process of maintaining roads in good condition through a series of actions that aim to repair and extend the lifespan of road infrastructure. These activities include routine repairs, roadside assistance, signage and road marking, and drainage maintenance. All of these road work requirements are essential to ensure the functionality, safety, and durability of road networks.
What are the Types of Deterioration/Damage that Require Road Maintenance?
Some of the common types of road deterioration or damage are as follows:
Ruts, Potholes and Corrugations - These are all signs of wear and tear on the road surface due to excessive traffic, weather conditions, and inadequate construction. They can also make the road surface uneven and cause potential hazards for drivers and pedestrians.
Deformation of Road Shoulders due to Erosion - The road shoulders, located at the edges of the road, are susceptible to erosion due to rainfall, runoff, and inadequate drainage, resulting in weakening of the road structure and loss of support at the road edges.
Silting and Erosion of the Drainage System - The drainage system is intended to remove water from the road surface. If it becomes silted up or eroded, water can accumulate on the road surface, which can lead to potholes, cracks, and other forms of deterioration.
Why is Road Maintenance and its Benefit?
Road maintenance is necessary to address various types of deteriorations and damages that can occur over time. This also lies in its ability to enhance road safety, improve transportation efficiency and stimulate economic development. These are several benefits of preserving the condition of road systems:
Increases vehicle efficiency and reduces fuel consumption and transportation costs.
Faster and more convenient access to schools, hospitals, government offices, retail outlets, and other social facilities
Ensures effective governance by generating sufficient revenue for local government units (LGUs) to invest in other community facilities.
Improves regional and national transportation links to support community development.
Who is Responsible for Doing Road Maintenance?
According to the Local Government Code of 1991, local government units, or LGUs, oversee the roads, bridges, and water supply systems within their jurisdiction, as well as infrastructure maintenance, traffic management, and accident investigation. These road networks include provincial, city, municipal, and barangay roads.
On the other hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) maintains and constructs national roads, bridges, highways, and arterial and secondary roads. The agency also provides technical assistance to local governments for road and bridge maintenance. The private sector can also provide road maintenance services. Toll road companies, for instance, maintain the roads on which they operate.
Road and highway maintenance is essential to the smooth function and development of transportation networks to ensure their safety and reliability. Through regular maintenance activities, roads can be kept in optimal condition to reduce hazards for motorists and improve overall road conditions. Moreover, well-maintained roads contribute to enhanced travel experiences by reducing congestion, travel time, vehicle operating costs, and access to essential services. By investing in road maintenance, we can ensure that our roads meet safety requirements and are durable enough to support mobility and connectivity.
Finding the right company to handle your road maintenance needs can have a significant impact on the longevity and safety of your road infrastructure. As a leading company in the industry, Savvice Corporation provides top-notch road maintenance services, including routine maintenance, towing service, emergency response, and traffic management services. With a proven track record of excellence, our team is committed to improving road infrastructure's durability, robustness, and usability. To learn more, please visit our website at savvice.com.ph.
