Buckinghamshire Highways Asset Management Strategy 2021

Last updated: 4 February 2022

Condition assessment

Knowledge of the asset, its condition and performance is vital for making the right investment decisions necessary to close any performance gaps identified through the Performance Management Framework.

Each asset has different inspection requirements and where appropriate compliance on the collection of condition data with nationally published guidance will be ensured. This will allow Buckinghamshire Highways (BH) to report to National Government information required under the single data list and for the Whole of Government Accounts. The collection of condition data will also allow BH to identify issues on the highway such as areas susceptible to wet-weather skidding so maintaining a safe network.

Condition data will continue to be stored electronically in BH’s AMIS and checked and validated in accordance with the ADMP. BH will endeavour to ensure that the annual regimes of data collection are undertaken to guarantee asset data remains up to date. Survey frequencies are set using a risk-based approach meaning the highway is managed efficiently and effectively and fleet use is optimised, minimising BH’s use of natural resources. Survey frequencies are subject to change, surveys and their need are continually review and updated as required.

Carriageways

Strategic routes and main distributors

These assets are checked through SCANNER and Griptester.

SCANNER is used to test on a 2 year cycle to measure the percentage of principal roads that should be considered for maintenance.

Griptester is used annually to measure how many principal roads show that grip is below the usual level in a grip test survey.

Secondary distributor

These assets are checked through SCANNER and Griptester.

SCANNER is used in a 2 year cycle and Griptester in a 3 year cycle, to measure the percentage of non-principal classified roads where structural maintenance should be considered.

SCANNER is used in a 2 year cycle to measure the percentage of non-principal classified roads where structural maintenance should be considered

Local access roads

Coarse Visual Inspection (CVI) is used in a 2 year cycle to measure the percentage of unclassified roads requiring structural maintenance.

Footways

Primary and secondary walking routes

Detailed Visual Inspection (DVI) is used every 2 years to measure the percentage of footways that require structural maintenance.

Linked, local access and remote footways

A Footway Network Survey (FNS) is done every 4 years to inspect our assets.

Structures

A General Inspection (GI) of all structures is carried out every 2 years. A Principal Inspection (PI) is carried out every 6 years.

This is to check the critical element score and the condition of highway structures.

Street lighting

Steel columns and illuminated signs

A structural test is carried out every 25 years, however we will check them more often if the test deems this necessary.

Concrete columns

A visual inspection is carried out on concrete columns. There is no specific schedule for this.

Electrical components

An electrical test is carried out every 6 years.

Intelligent traffic systems

Signal junctions

A Traffic Management Act Site Review is carried out every 5 years.

Traffic system posts

A structural test is carried out every 25 years. We will consider testing more frequently depending on the test results.

Traffic signal mast arms

A Principal Inspection and Structural Test is carried out. This is done no later than every 12 years.

Condition data is also used to inform the medium-term financial plan through lifecycle planning. Using the condition data gathered above, the percentage of each asset in Very Good, Good or Fair condition is assessed and modelled. Targets for delivery are set and monitored in the Performance Management Framework.