Road Maintenance Management for Improving Road Transport in Cambodia

Road network promotes economic development of a country through trade and tourism development . After decades of wars and neglected maintenance, the Cambodia’s road networks have deteriorated to such an extent that large parts of the country are effectively isolated.

In this study, the relationship between road maintenance and traffic accidents is investigated. The study has shown that the road maintenance has strong relationship with traffic accidents and the vehicle operating costs. The poor road maintenance results the higher traffic accidents and vehicles operating costs. The cost benefit analysis was also done between the cost of early maintenance and the savings in total vehicle operating costs, freight and the live loss due to accidents. The analysis revealed that it is more beneficial to incur early cost on maintenance. Similarly, lack of maintenance results in costly rehabilitation and reconstruction, which is an economic loss.

The case study “road maintenance in Japan” was taken up to analyze effective maintenance wherein damage to structures can be discovered early and assessment for essential required maintenance made quickly, in order to ensure safe and comfortable vehicular use and extension in the life of structure.

Preventive road maintenance is an important objective in order to prevent premature destruction and resulting capital losses . It should be the highest priority to develop an adequate organization for maintenance, and take steps to ensure sufficient funds for its operation.