Concrete roads have long been a cornerstone of England’s strategic road network, having served the UK faithfully since the 1960s and 1970s. However, as these miles of concrete pavement approach the end of their design life, National Highways, in partnership with KOREC and AECOM, is undertaking a monumental effort to not just maintain but to revolutionize the way we manage and upkeep these vital assets writes Dominic Browne for Highways Magazine.
The £400 million concrete roads program isn’t just about road repairs; it’s about rewriting the playbook for highway maintenance. National Highways has been instrumental in establishing an end-to-end digital system that brings innovation and precision to the forefront. KOREC, a leader in geospatial survey technology, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Their survey methods, including mobile mapping at normal traffic speeds, have generated vast amounts of data. But the real magic happens with their AI and machine learning technology, which automatically identifies pavement defects, from transverse cracks to potholes, with remarkable accuracy.
The advantages of this data-driven approach are manifold. It allows for the creation of highly accurate bill of quantities, streamlining project management and paving the way for sustainable practices. The digital system introduces virtual reality and augmented reality tools, enhancing safety, decision-making, and design processes. Moreover, a centralized portal acts as a repository for all this data, enabling each partner in the supply chain to access the information they need, from design to contractors involved in project delivery.
This ambitious initiative is set to span three decades, with the digital portal expected to be accessed by 30,000 to 40,000 individuals over that time. By embracing cutting-edge technology and ensuring that information is retained and passed on to future generations, National Highways is not just preserving its legacy concrete pavement but laying the foundation for a new, more efficient and sustainable legacy in highway maintenance.
Read more here: https://www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk/Establishing-a-new-legacy/13546