A new Road Maintenance Strategy has been launched in Northern Ireland, with a focus on better quality maintenance, longer-lasting repairs and wider use of technology.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins published the strategy on Monday, saying the road network underpins daily life, jobs, economic growth and connections between communities.
The Department for Infrastructure said around 26,000km of roads are covered by the network. The minister said there is no quick fix that can address every defect on every road, but new technology will be used to target resources where they are needed most.
The strategy sets out three central principles for the new approach: higher quality maintenance, timely and durable repairs, and targeting work where it is needed using technology to help monitor network condition.
Environmental sustainability is also to be embedded into maintenance practices. The department said this would include using environmentally sustainable materials where appropriate and designing interventions that are resilient to climate change.
The minister also linked the strategy to financial sustainability, saying investment in infrastructure assets should deliver wider public benefit. The Road Maintenance Strategy and consultation report have been made available by the Department for Infrastructure.