Maintenance and Upkeep of Transportation Routes, Vehicles, and Facilities

Regular maintenance of vehicles and other transportation equipment, as well as overall system repairs, are necessary when implementing transportation programs. Vehicles will also require regular safety inspections. The combination of terrain and environment in rural areas, along with the contribution of long distances that many routes span, make maintenance crucial to ensure a smooth and resilient transportation operating system.

It is important to allocate funds for maintenance and repairs when planning a new program. Some of the factors that can impact the timing and cost of maintenance include:

• Type of transit system
• Road conditions
• Environmental factors
• Economic factors
• Type and age of vehicles and equipment

The condition of rural roads is essential to the operation of transportation programs and can be a challenge as some rural roads deteriorate without regular maintenance. As of 2020, it was estimated that close to 12% of major rural roads in America were considered in poor condition, and another 36% of roads were considered to be in fair or mediocre condition. Most of these roads need structural fixes or complete replacement. Rural bridges are in a similar state, with approximately one in twelve in need of repair, rehabilitation, or complete replacement.

The conditions of rural roads differ throughout the country. Some states have a higher need for maintenance of rural roads and interstates, which typically connect to urban areas. Many factors contribute to differing maintenance costs around the country as well, including local climate, terrain, state budgets, and the overall volume of traffic on the roads.