O&M Manual For Maintenance and Repair of Roads
O&M Manual For Maintenance and Repair of Roads
O&M Manual For Maintenance and Repair of Roads
Energy Management and Operation & Maintenance of 16 Selected MCs Services Infrastructure
Assets Project
List of Figures
Figure 1: Macadam Road.......................................................................................................................5
Figure 2: Murram Road..........................................................................................................................5
Figure 3: Water-Bound Macadam Road.................................................................................................6
Figure 4: Unmetalled Road....................................................................................................................6
Figure 5: Brick Paved Road.....................................................................................................................7
Figure 6: Potholes on the road............................................................................................................13
Figure 7: Repair of pothole..................................................................................................................13
Figure 8: Cracks on the Road...............................................................................................................14
Figure 9: Repair of Cracks using Saw and Seal Method........................................................................14
Figure 10: Thin Overlay on existing Road.............................................................................................15
Figure 11: Thick Overlay on existing Road...........................................................................................15
Figure 12: Road marking by marking Machine.....................................................................................16
Figure 13: Proper Marked Road...........................................................................................................16
Figure 14: Traffic Diversion while road Repair......................................................................................17
Figure 15: Road Works Sign.................................................................................................................17
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Objective of Road Maintenance and Repair
The main purpose of municipal road maintenance and repair is to provide a safe, efficient, and
reliable transportation network for its users. These users encompass motorists, cyclists, and
pedestrians alike, making it paramount to maintain the infrastructure's integrity and safety. This is
achieved through various activities, such as repairing potholes, updating signage, managing road
markings, and maintaining streetlights. Any potential hazards are addressed promptly, ensuring the
safety of all who utilize these public roads.
Additionally, the functionality of roads is a key aspect that requires regular attention. Effective
maintenance of road surfaces, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and drainage systems help ensure a smooth
traffic flow and prevent potential issues like flooding. This functionality is not just about the present
but also aims to guarantee the longevity of the roadways. Routine maintenance plays a vital role in
mitigating minor issues before they escalate into major problems, thus saving money in the long
term by reducing the need for large-scale repairs or complete road replacements.
Comfort is another vital aspect addressed by municipal road maintenance. Regular upkeep helps to
rectify surface irregularities that could potentially lead to discomfort for passengers or damage to
vehicles. The journey's comfort and safety reflect directly on the municipality's responsibility
towards its residents.
Road maintenance also significantly contributes to the economic efficiency of a municipality. Well-
maintained roads reduce vehicle operating costs by causing less wear and tear on the vehicles,
minimizing traffic delays, and facilitating better connectivity for economic activities. This economic
efficiency also ties in with the environmental responsibility of the municipality. Smooth and well-
designed roads can potentially lead to reduced vehicle emissions by ensuring a more efficient traffic
flow, thus contributing to environmental sustainability.
Lastly, the aesthetics of well-maintained roads can foster a sense of community pride. The overall
appearance of a city or town reflects the administration's dedication to its residents. Therefore, road
maintenance and repair is not just about functionality, safety, and economy—it also contributes to
the community's pride and the city's overall aesthetic appeal.
The manual provides detailed procedures for routine, preventive and corrective maintenance
activities. Another crucial part of the manual is dedicated to the principles and practices for road
repair works, including both minor and major repairs. It covers the best practices for conducting
road repairs, with guidelines on managing traffic during repairs, ensuring worker and public safety,
and minimizing environmental impact.
Finally, the manual provides guidance on planning, scheduling, implementing and documenting
maintenance activities and their reporting.
2. UNDERSTANDING MUNICIPAL ROADS
2.1 Definition and Types of Municipal Roads
Municipal roads, which form an integral part of an urban transportation network, are of various
types depending on the materials used in their construction, the kind of traffic they handle, and their
location. A detailed description of the various types of municipal roads is given below
The construction process usually starts with the preparation of a solid foundation, often a bed of
sand or a layer of compacted aggregate, over which the bricks are laid. The bricks can be placed in a
variety of patterns, such as herringbone, basketweave, or running bond, depending on aesthetic
preference and the need for durability. Once the bricks are laid, the gaps between them are filled
with sand or another filler, which is then compacted and sealed. This process locks the bricks into
place and provides additional stability.
The importance of municipal roads extends to urban planning, public health and safety, and
promoting social equity. The design and layout of roads shape the urban landscape and dictate land
use patterns, influencing the positioning of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. By
contributing to sustainable urban development, road planning can promote efficient land use and
help combat urban sprawl. Moreover, safe and well-kept roads contribute significantly to public
health by minimizing the risk of traffic accidents. They can also support public health initiatives by
incorporating features like bike lanes or pedestrian paths, thereby encouraging physical activity.
Furthermore, municipal roads can bolster social equity by providing access to all parts of the city,
ensuring that residents, irrespective of their dwelling place, have equal access to public services and
economic opportunities.
Lastly, municipal roads contribute to environmental sustainability when designed and maintained
correctly. Efficient traffic flow on well-designed roads can mitigate vehicle emissions, thus reducing
the city's overall carbon footprint. Additionally, adopting sustainable materials and practices in road
construction and maintenance can further minimize environmental impact. Therefore, the role of
municipal roads in urban development is multifaceted, influencing the city's economy, public health,
social equity, and environmental sustainability.
3. ROAD MAINTENANCE
3.1 The Need for Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of roads is of paramount importance for multiple reasons. Firstly, it ensures
the safety of all road users. Poorly maintained roads can lead to numerous safety hazards, such as
accidents caused by potholes, malfunctioning streetlights, or faded road markings. Regular
maintenance helps to promptly identify and address such issues, thereby ensuring a safer
environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Another crucial aspect of regular maintenance is that it contributes to the longevity of the road
infrastructure. Roads are subjected to constant wear and tear due to weather conditions, heavy
traffic, and natural aging of materials. Regular maintenance helps to minimize this deterioration by
addressing minor issues before they escalate into significant problems. This not only extends the life
of the roadways but also proves to be cost-effective in the long run, as the cost of large-scale repairs
or road replacement is substantially higher than that of regular upkeep.
Additionally, regular maintenance enhances the functionality and comfort of the road for users. It
ensures smooth traffic flow, minimizes disruptions due to road defects, and provides a comfortable
journey for drivers and passengers. From an environmental perspective, well-maintained roads can
reduce vehicle emissions by improving traffic flow and minimizing the need for frequent stops and
starts. Lastly, the aesthetic aspect should not be overlooked - a well-maintained road network
contributes to the overall appearance of the city and fosters a sense of community pride.
Another technique is surface treatments such as chip sealing or micro-surfacing. These treatments
involve applying a thin layer of asphalt and aggregate to the road surface. This not only provides a
new wearing surface but also seals the existing pavement, protecting it from water damage and
oxidation.
Preventive maintenance also includes the management of drainage systems. Ensuring that water
drains properly off the road surface is crucial to prevent damage caused by water infiltration and
freezing. This involves maintaining ditches, culverts, and storm drains, as well as ensuring that the
road surface is properly graded to direct water away.
Another routine maintenance practice is pothole repair. Potholes are not only a safety hazard, but
they can also cause damage to vehicles. Repairing them promptly can prevent accidents and reduce
maintenance costs for road users.
Routine maintenance also includes the upkeep of street furniture such as benches, trash bins, and
signage, as well as the maintenance of streetlights to ensure visibility and safety at night.
3.4 Periodic Maintenance
Periodic maintenance refers to major activities carried out at longer intervals, typically every few
years, to restore the road's structural integrity and surface characteristics. This might involve
resurfacing or overlaying the road when the pavement has deteriorated to a point where simple
surface treatments are no longer effective.
Rehabilitation works also come under periodic maintenance, which may include full-depth repairs
where portions of the pavement structure are completely reconstructed. In some cases, periodic
maintenance might involve road widening to accommodate increased traffic volume or changes in
traffic patterns.
Periodic maintenance also includes major repairs or replacement of road-related structures such as
bridges, culverts, and large signs. These activities are planned based on regular inspections that
assess the condition of these structures.
4. ROAD REPAIR
4.1 Identifying Road Damage
Municipal road damage comes in many forms, from simple potholes to more serious structural
failures. To properly identify and document these issues, one needs to follow a systematic process
that involves several steps:
MC Road Map: Create a proper road map for each MC. For creating a permanent reference
of each road in MC records, each road should be numbered. The following designation may
be used for different kinds of roads.
Each designation will have separate Serial Numbers. These numbers should be written with their
designation on the detailed map of MC preferably on 1:500 or 1” = 400ft. If possible, a map of 1” =
200’ may be prepared in part and fixed on wall of Committee/Conference room to show the detailed
streets as well. This will help to assess the current position of roads and streets in the town and will
also help in planning process. Undermentioned symbols may be used in preparation of this map.
Table 2: Road Map Samples
Sr. # Description of road/structure Symbol Colour
1. NHA Roads Pink bold line
2. Provincial Roads Black bold line
3. District roads Red bold line
4. MC Roads: Green bold line
Metaled
Brick Paved Green thin line
Unmetalled Green dotted line
5. Culvert / Bridge Black
4.1.2 Inspection
Visual inspection: The relevant MC staff should walk or drive slowly along the road, looking
carefully for any signs of damage. The staff should use its checklist to ensure they do not
overlook anything.
Measurement: When the staff finds a problem, it should measure the extent of damage. For
a pothole or crack, the staff will need to record its length, width, and depth. For other types
of damage, the staff may need to use different measurement techniques.
Photographic evidence: The MC staff should take clear, well-lit photos of the damage from
multiple angles. This will help others understand the extent of the problem and assist in
planning repairs.
Notation: The staff should make notes about the location and extent of the damage. They
might find it helpful to sketch a quick map or could use a GPS-enabled device to record
precise locations.
4.1.4 Reporting
Compile your findings: The staff should bring together all the notes, measurements, and
photographs taken into a single report.
Include recommendations: Based on the observations and the severity of the issues found,
the staff should make recommendations as to which problems should be addressed first and
suggest possible solutions or further investigations if needed.
Present the report to the relevant authority: The final step is to present the findings to the
municipal authorities or other relevant bodies. They can then use the report to plan repairs
and allocate resources.
Here's a review of several common repair techniques for various types of road damage:
4.2.4 Overlays
Thin overlays: Thin overlays typically consist of layers of asphalt mix that are 1 to 2 inches
thick. These overlays are commonly composed of high-quality, durable aggregates mixed
with modified asphalt binder, ensuring a combination of strength, durability, and flexibility.
Thin overlays serve a dual purpose - they enhance ride quality by providing a smooth, even
surface and reduce pavement distress by sealing the existing pavement from water intrusion
and oxidative damage from sunlight. Additionally, they can improve surface friction, leading
to safer driving conditions. Thin overlays are a cost-effective solution for maintaining
roadways, as they require less material and time to apply compared to thicker overlays. They
can be used on various types of roadways, from residential streets to high-speed highways.
Figure 10: Thin Overlay on existing Road
Thick overlays: Thick overlays, often more than 2 inches thick, are used when the pavement
requires a significant structural boost or when major improvements in ride quality are
desired. They are designed to bear heavier traffic loads and to correct structural deficiencies
in the existing pavement, such as rutting or fatigue cracking. Like thin overlays, they're
composed of an asphalt mix, but the aggregate size and mixture proportions may vary
depending on the intended use. Applying a thick overlay can also help to restore proper
drainage and cross-slope, or the side-to-side tilt of the roadway. While thick overlays
demand a higher upfront cost due to the increased amount of material and labor needed for
application, they offer long-term benefits by significantly extending the roadway's service
life.
4.2.5 Reconstruction
This is required when the pavement has completely failed. It involves the complete removal
and replacement of the existing pavement. This is the most expensive solution but is
sometimes the only viable option for severely damaged roads.
Preparation: Before any new marking is applied, the road surface must be properly
prepared. This can involve cleaning the surface to remove any dirt, oil, or existing loose
material. In some cases, especially if the road surface is old or worn, it may be necessary to
remove existing markings using methods such as sandblasting or grinding. For new asphalt, it
is essential to ensure that the surface is cured adequately before applying markings.
Layout: The next step is to lay out the road markings. This typically involves measuring and
marking where the lines will go using chalk or temporary marking paint. This layout will act
as a guide when applying the permanent markings.
Application of Paint: There are several methods to apply road markings, but the most
common is the use of specialized vehicles equipped with marking machines. These machines
can accurately dispense the marking material (paint, thermoplastic, tape, etc.) following the
pre-marked guides. The paint is usually applied with a spray gun that is set at a specific
pressure to ensure an even distribution.
For straight lines, such as lane divisions and crosswalks, the marking machine can move
continuously along the road. For more complex patterns, like arrows or words, a stencil is
often used.
Road marking paint usually contains reflective glass beads. These beads are sprinkled on the
wet paint immediately after it is applied to increase visibility at night. The beads reflect light
from vehicle headlights back to the driver, making the markings easier to see.
Curing: Once applied, the marking material needs time to dry or cure. The exact time
depends on the type of material used and the weather conditions. During this time, the road
section is usually closed off to prevent vehicles from smearing the fresh paint.
Quality Control: After the markings have dried, a final inspection is carried out to ensure the
markings are clear, straight, and meet the required standards. Any necessary touch-ups are
made at this stage.
Figure 12: Road marking by marking Machine Figure 13: Proper Marked Road
The materials used for road markings, such as paint, thermoplastic, preformed tape, or epoxy, can
vary depending on factors like the expected traffic volume, weather conditions, and the road surface
material. Each material has its benefits and trade-offs in terms of cost, durability, application
method, and drying time. The choice of material will greatly influence the application process. The
MC should keep track of the road markings and allocate sufficient staff for replace/redo the
markings when required (refer to Table 11&12 for details).
Figure 14: Traffic Diversion while road Repair Figure 15: Road Works Sign
Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure: Urban roads often include pedestrian walkways and
cycling lanes. The maintenance and repair work should consider these elements to ensure
safety and accessibility.
Noise and Dust Control: Urban areas are dense with residents and businesses, so noise and
dust from repair work can be a significant issue. Contractors may need to use noise-
reduction equipment, dust suppression techniques, or schedule work during certain hours to
minimize the impact on the surrounding community.
Access to Businesses and Homes: Repair work shouldn't cut off access to homes or
businesses. Temporary access routes may need to be set up, and stakeholders should be
informed of the work schedule and how it will affect them.
Public Transport: Buses, trams, or other public transport systems might use urban roads, and
any repair work could disrupt their schedules. It's essential to work with the public transport
agencies to mitigate the impact.
Utilities: Urban roads often have various utilities running underneath them, including water,
gas, electricity, and telecommunications services. Any road repair work needs to consider
these and take steps to avoid damaging them. In some cases, repair work can be
coordinated with utility maintenance or upgrade schedules.
Parking: In many urban areas, street parking is a valuable resource. Road repair work could
temporarily eliminate parking spots, so alternatives should be considered and
communicated.
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of road repairs, including emissions from
equipment and vehicles, disposal of old road materials, and runoff of materials into local
waterways, should be minimized.
Community Engagement: Communication with the local community is critical. Residents,
businesses, and other stakeholders should be informed about the schedule, the expected
disruptions, and the benefits the repairs will bring.
Aesthetic and Cultural Considerations: In some urban areas, particularly historic districts,
there might be aesthetic or cultural considerations to take into account. The materials and
methods used for road repair might need to be compatible with the surrounding
streetscape.
In summary, urban road repair requires careful planning and coordination with various stakeholders
to minimize disruptions, ensure safety, and maximize the effectiveness of the repairs.
5. PLANNING AND PRIORITIZATION
The following aspects needs to be taken into account, for development of an effective road
maintenance and repair plan
This database will be instrumental in future planning, budgeting for maintenance and repairs, and
accurate estimation of repairs. MO (I & S) can constitute a dedicated team comprising sub-engineers
and a surveyor for surveying all the MC roads to compile this database. The data will be collected in
relation to each type of road found within the MC. These may include
Each of these roads will have a different anticipated lifespan and varying maintenance needs. Data
must be gathered on the area and condition of road surface and the average maintenance cost.
Local conditions may influence the latter. For example, maintenance costs for bituminous roads
subjected to frequent flooding, or built on poor soils, will be significantly higher than in other areas.
The availability of data such as plans, details of problematic areas, etc. (Table - 14).
Details of repair/maintenance teams along with their responsibilities, with particular
attention to the areas they manage (Table - 13).
Records of standard maintenance routines, performed repair tasks, materials utilized, and
costs incurred. This necessitates recording each repair task, along with the time and
materials needed to complete it (Table - 10 & 13).
Documentation of the locations of maintenance and repair activities (Table - 13). This will
contribute to understanding where the maintenance needs seem to be more pronounced.
Such understanding will allow further investigation to determine if the increased frequency
of maintenance and/or repair is justified by local conditions or if there's a need to improve
procedures to ensure tasks are carried out correctly.
Information should be maintained at the municipal level. If some maintenance and repair
responsibilities are devolved to the local level, supervisors overseeing those areas should be
motivated to maintain their own records and to submit these records to the "central" body
for inclusion in the municipality records.
This data can be consolidated into a database, which can be connected to system plans and
eventually integrated into a Geographical Information System (GIS).
However, this is only the initial step. It will also be essential to ensure that the necessary repairs are
executed promptly, competently, and to the required standard, necessitating improved
management systems.
Municipal engineering staff should inspect all MC roads. As a rule, each road should undergo
inspection for visible signs of wear tear every three months, especially after heavy rainfall.
Responsibility for inspecting roads should be delegated to lower levels such as Sub Engineers, with
each officer assigned different areas of responsibility. Following each inspection, every team leader
should establish a register of roads according to the provided template. All data should then be
transferred to the main register with the MO (I&S).
b) Encourage community members to report any issues concerning road surfacing and drain
performance.
c) Classify problems into those requiring immediate action and those that can be attended to
later. Generally, a problem will necessitate immediate attention if one or more of the
following conditions apply:
It occurs on a heavily trafficked road.
It occurs in a low-lying area prone to frequent flooding.
It has developed rapidly, posing a risk of further deterioration if left unaddressed.
Constitute teams with a sub-engineer as the lead and supervisors as team members.
Emissions and Air Quality: Road repair activities often involve the use of machinery that emits
greenhouse gases. Moreover, dust generated during the work can degrade local air quality.
In pursuance of the statutory requirement under clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section (6) of
the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997(XXXIV of 1997), the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency, with prior approval of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council,
revised the NEQS for Ambient Air in 2010.
Noise Pollution: Road repair works can cause considerable noise, affecting local wildlife and
ecosystems.
In pursuance of the statutory requirement under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section (6) of
the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 (XXXIV of 1997), the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency, with prior approval of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council,
revised the NEQS for Noise (2010). These standards are established for four different categories
which include residential area, commercial area, industrial area and silent zone. These standards
vary according to the day and night timing, daytime hours are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and
nighttime hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. USEPA standards and World Bank guidelines along
with National Environmental Quality Standards for noise effective from January 2012 are given
below
Waste Management: Waste materials, especially non-biodegradable ones like asphalt and
concrete, need to be properly managed to prevent environmental harm.
Biodiversity: Construction activities can disrupt local habitats, affecting local flora and fauna.
To mitigate these impacts, it's crucial to incorporate environmentally friendly practices, such as using
low-emission machinery, recycling and reusing materials, implementing noise control measures,
ensuring proper waste disposal, and minimizing disruption to local habitats.
Mobility and Accessibility: Road repair works can disrupt normal traffic flow and limit access to
homes, businesses, and other facilities. This can affect people's daily lives, including their ability
to commute to work or school, and access services.
Noise and Dust: Construction activities can generate noise and dust that affect local residents,
particularly those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with respiratory issues.
Employment Opportunities: On the positive side, road repair projects can generate local
employment opportunities.
Effective community engagement is key to managing these social implications. This includes:
Communication: Informing residents and businesses about the timing, scope, and impact of
road repair works. This can be done through public meetings, newsletters, websites, and social
media.
Consultation: Consulting with the community before and during the project to understand their
concerns and take them into account in the planning and implementation of the project.
Complaints Management: Providing a mechanism for people to raise concerns or complaints
and ensuring these are addressed in a timely and fair manner.
Benefits Sharing: Where possible, benefits from the project (such as employment opportunities)
should be shared with the local community.
By considering the environmental and social implications of road maintenance and repair, and by
engaging effectively with the community, municipalities can minimize negative impacts and maximize
the benefits of these projects.
Risk Assessment: Identify and assess potential risks to workers and the public. This includes risks
related to machinery, traffic, hazardous materials, noise, and dust.
Safety Training: All workers should be properly trained in safety procedures. This includes the
correct use of equipment, handling of materials, and response to emergencies.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers should be equipped with appropriate PPE,
including hard hats, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and hearing protection.
Traffic Management: Develop and implement a traffic management plan to ensure the safety of
road users and workers. This includes appropriate signage, barriers, and diversions.
Emergency Preparedness: Have a plan in place for dealing with emergencies. This includes first
aid facilities, firefighting equipment, and procedures for evacuation or sheltering in place
ANNEXURE-A
Road Designation ____________ Road Number ____________
Name of Road ____________
Table 6: Detail of MC Road
Metalled width Surface area of other pavements
Shoulders Foot Paths
(each side) (sft)
Kind of surface
Length ROW Pavement Surface area of
S. # From To One / One / Pavement asphalt / TST /
(ft) width (ft) Width Bricks / Width metalling (sft) Brick Concrete
Single Dual both both brick / concrete
(ft) C. Pavers/ (ft) pavement. pavements.
side sides c. pavers
Kacha
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
Total
Total
*Factors affecting level of maintenance might be heavy traffic, frequent flooding, higher water table, higher axel loads and others
Table 8: Secondary Roads or Access Roads
Metaled width Surface area of Road drainage (longitudinal / cross) Factors
Width Surface area of metaling Average cost
Road Name each side footpaths and When last affecting level
S. Length of (sft) Drains Sewers Action of annual
designation of (ft) shoulders (sft) repaired / Condition of
# (ft) ROW required maintenance
and number road Brick Concrete Type/ Length DIA Length resurfaced maintenance
(ft) Single Dual Asphalt TST Concrete (Rs.)
Pav. pavers size (ft) (inches) (ft) *
1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
Total
*Factors affecting level of maintenance might be heavy traffic, frequent flooding, higher water table, higher axel loads and others
Total
*Factors affecting level of maintenance might be heavy traffic, frequent flooding, higher water table, higher axel loads and others
Table 10: Roads Repaired in Last Year and Targets for Current Year
Completed in last year (km) Targets for current year (km)
S. By Cos By Cos
Activity Unit own By Tot t own By Tot t
#
labo contractor al (Rs labou contractor al (Rs
ur .) r .)
1.
Patch work Km
2.
Road cuts Nos
Road
Resurfacing
3. TST Km
Asphalt Km
PCC Km
Concrete
Km
pavers
Total
Table 12: Road Marking & Traffic Signals (Completed in Last Year and Targets for Current Year)
S. # Activity Unit Completed in last year Targets for current year
1. Road length
Road marking
(Km)
2.
Zebra crossing Nos.
3.
Kerbs painting Length (Km)
4.
Sign boards for traffic Nos.
5.
Traffic Signals
(i) New installed Nos.
(ii) Old repaired Nos.