Towards sustainability of the South African road network

Abstract

Paper presented at the 32nd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 8-11 July 2013 "Transport and Sustainable Infrastructure", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

Since we live in a world of dwindling resources, of all types it is essential that road engineers in their design and construction activities, provide infrastructure in a sustainable fashion. This paper examines some of the factors influencing the sustainability of roads in the South African context, of which perhaps the four most important are: · Appropriate and efficient institutional arrangements including sound governance · Sound management of the road network – from planning through to eventual operation · Availability of adequate resources – especially financial and personnel · Conservation of natural resources and of the environment The paper concludes that a paradigm shift in road provision together with strong leadership within road authorities is needed to begin to provide long term sustainability of road infrastructure in South Africa.