The UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has launched a new software tool that enables highway authorities to achieve efficiencies in road maintenance and cut down repair costs.

This new tool is available at no cost for the members of the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) and UK local authorities.

It enables members to compare the lifecycle cost of road maintenance treatments across the areas of reconstruction, resurfacing and full range of road surface treatments.

"TRL’s new software will enable the public sector to make smarter choices going forward across the field of road maintenance."

Users can also compare the costs over a 50-year period so that they can select the most cost effective solution.

The new tool is part of TRL’s iROADS asset management software suite.

This new tool has been launched in response to demand from the local authorities for new asset management software with enhanced planning and budgeting capability.

TRL chief executive Rob Wallis said: "This is another example of how TRL is helping the public sector to facilitate best practice and drive sustained cost reductions.

"By enabling users to rapidly calculate the cost-benefit analysis of each road maintenance treatment, we can help drive down cost inefficiencies and enable a more planned approach to road maintenance."

RSTA chief executive Howard Robinson said: "TRL’s new software will enable the public sector to make smarter choices going forward across the field of road maintenance.

"We are delighted to have contributed towards the development of this new pavement decision tool and to have facilitated the involvement of key industry stakeholders to help gain their support.

"This new tool will allow public sector transport planners to more easily demonstrate best practice methods of working in road maintenance budgeting and management."