MAINTENANCE IN THE 1980'S--CHALLENGE OR FRUSTRATION

It is observed that decreased productivity (caused by externally imposed regulations) will mandate a need for better supervision, more accountability to standards and more complex management. There will be a need to tie maintenance work to quality. One approach to this will be the installation of a pavement management program. With the present rideability index, it will be possible to forecast the life of various treatments. Processes will be computerized and it will be possible to predict cost benefit from patching seal coats, armor coats, and overlays. In the personnel area, State employment will become more highly competitive and lead to a revision of the civil service system making it easier to appoint the staff that management wants. Maintenance equipment is being researched and developed and materials are being specially designed for maintenance. Materials which use byproducts will be devised and tested. Economies may be effected through combining maintenance forces. Legislation will make states responsible for maintenance on state routes through cities. There will also be an ever increasing involvement of the federal government in maintenance. Comments are also made on transportation budgets and investment in maintenance.