Performance-Based Approach to Managing Toll-Road Infrastructure

Built in the mid-1950s New York State Thruway is one of the longest toll superhighways in the nation. To preserve the infrastructure condition at an acceptable level for safe operation, the Thruway infrastructure requires regular maintenance and repair. Performance-based management in this context aims at monitoring and improving the infrastructure's life-cycle performance with timely strategic, preventive maintenance and minor repair. Preservation of the Thruway system is achieved by compiling relevant input information and interpreting the output results from life-cycle inventory analysis and impact assessment. The management approach combining facility performance with life-cycle analysis has been particularly effective and beneficial in identifying and prioritizing maintenance actions necessary for Thruway operation as an interstate toll-road. Preserving this primary roadway using the life-cycle approach brings the subject of performance and preventive maintenance to the forefront of sustainable practices.