Roads and Highways

Roads and Highways Projects │Related Documents

In recognition of the central role played by road networks in trade facilitation and access of the poor to basic services and economic opportunity, the Transport Group works across the region to build the institutions and resources required for efficient, cost-effective and sustainable roads. The Argentina National Highway Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project introduced Rehabilitation and Maintenance contracts (CREMA) for an entire network rather than a single segment, resulting in substantial savings.   Through Bank support, microenterprises consisting of local residents provide routine road maintenance in Peru and Uruguay. These approaches have increased accountability and ensured the consistent quality of the road network.

As national networks improve, it is necessary to strengthen state/provincial networks, especially with the increasing decentralization of road maintenance management. The Venezuela Highways Management Project strengthened institutional capacity, rationalized sector expenditures, transferred technology, and improved the accountability of state governments.

The Colombian Toll Road Concession Project used innovative features to overcome the typical barriers associated with developing private Greenfield projects –local financing constraints, project risks, and difficulties in generating predictable revenues. Enhancement instruments made possible a concession that lowered government exposure, limited fiscal contributions, and mobilized private resources. Despite macroeconomic difficulties, this support was crucial in obtaining competitive lending terms and maturities.

The Peru Rural Roads Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project brought together central and local governments, community groups, and affected populations in a targeted and cost-effective effort that dramatically improved road access in isolated areas. The rehabilitation and maintenance of roads and non-motorized tracks has reduced travel times by half, increased service reliability, and improved access to markets and social services. Forming microenterprises to maintain rehabilitated roads gives communities a direct stake in the project, catalyzes local development venture, and encourages entrepreneurship.

In Latin America, traffic safety conditions have reached alarming levels. In 1998, there were 2.3 million accidents resulting in 100,000 fatalities and 1.2 million injuries. Disproportionately high number of victims came from low-income groups. The World Bank in conjunction with private corporations (e.g. Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, 3M), and NGOs (e.g. the International Red Cross) initiated the Global Road Safety Partnership to promote public education, improve vehicle testing, and support physical improvements. The Peru Second Transport Rehabilitation Project incorporates elements of this initiative. Learning and Innovation loans (LILs) are another product that the Group offers to promote traffic safety.

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS PROJECTS

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