How do I deal with unsealed road complaints that will make my job easier and less stressful when I get the question, “Why did we grade this road?” or “Why will this road not be graded?”
- Step 1. Set-up a standard condition assessment process. That includes picking up defects and ratings (e.g Defects like “corrugations”, “rutting”, “scours” etc and ratings like “Very Poor”, “Poor”, “Fair”) e g. My recommendation: Based it on visual or combined visual and electronic measurements (best of both).
- Step 2. Make the assessment process a standard process and document.
- Step 3. Train staff that complete inspections to use the standard approach.
- Step 4. Record data in a system (excel or database) that allows you to convert data to an overall condition score. Like the electronic value called IRI (International Roughness Index)
- Step 5. Set-up intervention levels for engaging maintenance based on the condition scores. Eg. A score of 15 is when roads are considered rough enough for grading.
- Step 6. Develop a reporting process to filter out, from the data collected, ratings and defects of “very poor” state and develop a process of correcting these defects quickly. E.g Temporary works
- Step 7. Set-up a standard letter that can be used to answer complaints using this system. Also document for staff some notes of how to answer people over the phone using this approach.
- Step 8. Develop an information session to your council to show them the process.
- A) Videos of unsealed road with corresponding condition scores. This is to get council to understand the process. Hopefully at that meeting you get sign off for the approach.
- B) Show example of the Standard Assessment Approach.
- C) Show template letters and procedures
- Step 9. Review monthly the process until it becomes a routine exercise for all staff. Review might include reporting to management and council. (CRITICAL ITEM FOR SUCCESS)
This is basically how it could be completed. If you would like to use some already established processes please contact us.