Innovations brought by ToolBox will include new functional triggers that ensure that road user expectations are considered in the selection of maintenance candidates, which in turn form the basis for the selection of project/schemes/object lengths to be maintained. As a further benefit the functional triggers could be used as benchmark indicators for a European road condition demonstration.

Pavement managers’ deal with complex decisions when identifying lengths of their networks in need of maintenance, and planning the appropriate maintenance treatments. Currently, they are heavily dependent on experience, even though many support systems exist, such as guidelines, monitoring and information systems. Decades of road network monitoring and follow up projects, such as LTPP (Long Term Pavement Performance), have generated a huge volume of empirical data on pavement condition, giving knowledge how this develops and affects road users, which can be made useful if analysed in a structured and sound manner. To complement this information, several decades of research and development has accumulated a substantial volume of knowledge, models and tools. This can be used to assist in maintenance decisions, with an aim to assist in applying a strategy that delivers a sound road network with minimum cost. Even so, these support tools are not yet implemented to their full potential, and most tools do not address user expectations.

This project aims to advance the development and implementation of practical strategies and tools to assist road authorities in optimising the maintenance of their road networks, whilst addressing the key interests and expectations of road users.

ToolBox will develop a “concept for proper maintenance planning” to assure the selection of adequate maintenance works to make effective use of the maintenance budget, based on available road condition data, to give minimal negative effects on road users, safety for road workers and the environment. The main idea is to develop a tool for maintenance planning which allows selection of sections in need of maintenance based on not only cost and benefit analysis but also road users’ expectations.

ToolBox will deliver a framework for tools that help road owners to decide how lengths should be identified for maintenance (using available condition data), balancing costs and road user expectations.