MAINTENANCE, MANAGEMENT OF ROADS IN JAPAN: THEIR DIRECTION TO HIGH INTEGRATION

Japan is adversely affected by various severe topographical, geographical, and meteorological conditions. Road stock are increasing, facilities are deteriorating, and road user needs are more advanced and diverse. Many problems must be solved in road maintenance and management. Until now, road safety and performance was promoted through the development of road information management systems, based on regional characteristics and road functions. Following the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, though, it became necessary to promote the safety and reliability of the road network. Currently, research and development on road management systems as an important part of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) is being conducted. Intelligent road management systems cover operations of road maintenance and management in normal conditions and in handling of unforeseen events at times of disaster. To improve the information exchange between road administrators and road users, and to make road management safe and efficient, research and development activities regarding these systems are being conducted based on the following program: 1) dispersive processing by each road administrator; 2) construction of a network among road administrators; 3) database for road information; 4) ensuring system safety in a disaster; 5) expansion of the system; and 6) security management.