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{{more citations needed|date=January 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2019}}


'''The ROADEX Project''' is a collaboration of northern European roads organisations from Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Scotland and Sweden brought together with the aim of improving the condition of their rural road networks, and rural roads generally.
'''The ROADEX Project''' is a collaboration of northern European roads organisations that aims to improve the condition of rural road networks through state-of-the-art proactive asset management strategies. The project started as a European Union pilot collaboration in 1998 and over the intervening period, and co-operations, has grown into a centre of information for all things concerning sustainable rural roads. The project outputs have been recognised internationally by a 2009 European Union RegioStars special mention.,.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=ROADEX receives special mentions RegioStars 2009 |url=http://www.northernperiphery.eu/en/news/show/&tid=66 |website=www.northernperiphery.eu}}</ref> and more recently by the [[International Road Federation]] as part of a 2018 Global Road Achievement Award for ″Asset Preservation and Maintenance Management″ <ref name="auto1">{{cite web |title=2018 Global Road Achievement Awards |url=https://www.irf.global/assets/pdf/2018-GRAA-BOWP-WEB.pdf |website=www.irf.global}}</ref>


[[File:ROADEX Partner countries.jpg|thumb|Map of the ROADEX partner countries]]
The initial EU collaborations<ref>{{cite web |last1=Palo |first1=K |title=The ROADEX Projects - Exchanging information on low volume roads across the European Northern Periphery |url=http://www.nvfnorden.org/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=4697 |website=www.nvfnorden.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Saarenketo T |first1=Munro R |title=New Solutions for Road Condition Management |journal=TR News |volume=284 |issue=January–February 2013 |pages=30–31 |url=http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/trnews/trnews284.pdf}}</ref> comprised a series of four technical co-operations between roads organisations across northern Europe part funded by the [[European Union]] [[Northern periphery programme]] (NPP) that aimed to share roads related information and research between the partners. The first started in 1998 as a 3 year [[Pilot experiment|pilot co-operation]] between the roads districts of [[Finnish Lapland]], Troms County of the [[Norwegian Public Roads Administration]], the Northern Region of The [[Swedish National Road Administration]] and the [[Highland Council]] of Scotland. This was subsequently followed and extended by a second, ROADEX II, from 2002 to 2005, a third, ROADEX III, from 2006 to 2007, and a fourth, “ROADEX Network Implementing Accessibility”, from 2009 to 2012.


The project started as a European Union pilot in 1998 and over the intervening period, and co-operations, has grown into a centre of information for all things concerning the management of sustainable rural roads. As of 2019 the project website is averaging over 5,000 hits per month from around the world seeking information and solutions for rural roads.
Over that period the collaboration grew from a simple agreement to share resources between four roads districts into an international network that spanned the whole of northern Europe encompassing organisations across Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, Scotland, Norway, Sweden and Finland.


The outputs of the collaboration were recognised by a European Union RegioStars special mention.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=ROADEX receives special mentions RegioStars 2009 |url=http://www.northernperiphery.eu/en/news/show/&tid=66 |website=www.northernperiphery.eu}}</ref> and more recently ROADEX strategies and technologies were recognised internationally in a 2018 Global Road Achievement Award by the [[International Road Federation]] for ″Asset Preservation and Maintenance Management″ <ref name="auto1">{{cite web |title=2018 Global Road Achievement Awards |url=https://www.irf.global/assets/pdf/2018-GRAA-BOWP-WEB.pdf |website=www.irf.global}}</ref>
== The ROADEX Pilot co-operation, 1998-2001 ==
===Creating an effective technical exchange & co-operation across the road districts of the European Northern Periphery===


== ROADEX Partner organisations ==
[[File:ROADEX pilot.png|thumb|ROADEX logo]]
The ROADEX Network currently consists of 13 partners from 6 countries comprising 6 national roads administrations, a government department, 3 government agencies, 2 local authorities and a roads district.
The aim of the EU Pilot ROADEX co-operation was to create a technical information exchange for roads related issues across the European Northern Periphery. (ROADs Information EXchange = ROADEX). The four Partners areas of the co-operation were Finnish Lapland, Troms County of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the Northern Region of The Swedish National Road Administration and the Highland Council of Scotland.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Country
!Partner
!Acronym
!Status
!Role
|-
|{{Flagu|Sweden}}
|Northern Region of The [[Swedish Road Administration]]
|SRA
|Road Administration
|Chairman
|-
|{{Flagu|Norway}}
|[[Norwegian Public Roads Administration]]
|NPRA
|Road Administration
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Iceland}}
|[[Icelandic Road Administration]]
|ICERA
|Road Administration
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Ireland}}
|[[Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport]]
|DOT
|Road Administration
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Finland}}
|[[Finnish Transport Agency]]
|FTA
|Road Administration
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Scotland}}
|[[Transport Scotland]]
|TS
|Road Administration
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Ireland}}
|[[Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine]]
|DAFM
|Government department
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Ireland}}
|Road Management Office
|RMO
|Government Agency
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Scotland}}
|[[Forestry Commission]]
|FC
|Government Agency
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Sweden}}
|[[Ministry for Rural Affairs (Sweden)|Swedish Forest Agency]]
|SFA
|Government Agency
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Scotland}}
|[[Comhairle nan Eilean Siar]]
|CNES
|Local Authority
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Scotland}}
|[[Highland Council]]
|HC
|Local Authority
|Partner
|-
|{{Flagu|Finland}}
|Lapland [[Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment]]
|ELY
|Road District
|Partner
|}


A brief history of the project and its evolution is set out below.
These partner districts shared the common NPP environmental and roads problems of long distances to their main markets in Europe, remote settlements and villages, sparse populations, difficult terrain, poor ground conditions, and long winter seasons. In addition they had the major transportation issues associated with their internationally important timber and fishing industries.


== The ROADEX Pilot project, 1998-2001 ==
The ROADEX pilot aimed to bring together the varied roads experiences gained across the individual partner districts to identify [[best practice]] and apply this to advantage across the Northern Periphery area. The Pilot co-operation was 50% funded by the European Union and 50% by the partner road districts, and additionally received support from [[Scottish Government|The Scottish Executive]] and [[Icelandic Road Administration|The Icelandic Road Administration]]. The Lead Partner for the co-operation was the Lapland Region of the Finnish National Road Administration (Finnra). The budget was approved at 541,071 EUR.


[[File:ROADEX pilot.png|thumb|ROADEX logo]]
The main consultants for the co-operation were Roadscanners Oy<ref>{{cite web |title=Roadscanners Oy |url=http://www.roadscanners.com/}}</ref> of Finland, The [[Norwegian University of Science and Technology]] and Laboratorio Uleåborg Oy<ref>{{cite web |title=Laboratorio Uleåborg |url=https://www.uleaborg.com/}}</ref> of Oulu who provided the graphic design.
The aim of the EU Pilot ROADEX project was to create a northern European forum for the exchange of information on low volume rural roads. (ROADs Information EXchange = ROADEX).

These roads are vital arteries for the local communities they serve, as well as being major transportation routes for their internationally important timber and fishing industries. The four Partners areas of the co-operation were [[Finnish Lapland]], Troms County of the [[Norwegian Public Roads Administration]], the Northern Region of The [[Swedish National Road Administration]] and the [[Highland Council]] of Scotland.

The Pilot co-operation was 50% funded by the European Union and 50% by the partner road districts, and additionally received support from [[Scottish Government|The Scottish Executive]] and [[Icelandic Road Administration|The Icelandic Road Administration]].


Following the completion of the successful Pilot co-operation the partners committed themselves to a further ROADEX collaboration to further share information and carry out joint research.
With the success of the pilot co-operation the partners agreed to commit themselves to a further collaboration.


== ROADEX II, 2002-2005 ==
== ROADEX II, 2002-2005 ==
===Interactive and Innovative Road Management Practices for Low Traffic Volume Roads===


[[File:ROADEX II.png|thumb|ROADEX II logo]]
[[File:ROADEX II.png|thumb|ROADEX II logo]]
The EU part-funded ROADEX II co-operation<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Munro R |display-authors=etal |title=ROADEX II Project: Focusing on Low-Volume Roads in the European Northern Periphery |journal=Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board |volume=1989 |page=76 |url=https://trrjournalonline.trb.org/doi/abs/10.3141/1989-76}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX II |url=https://interreg.no/prosjektbank/roadex-ii/ |website=interreg.no |publisher=Interreg.no |accessdate=17 August 2018}}</ref> was a 3 year collaboration to develop ways for interactive and innovative road management of low traffic volume roads. It built on the networks created during the successful Article 10 ROADEX co-operation with additional inputs from local industry involving heavy road haulage to improve roads service provision across the area.
The ROADEX II co-operation<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Munro R |display-authors=etal |title=ROADEX II Project: Focusing on Low-Volume Roads in the European Northern Periphery |journal=Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board |volume=1989 |page=76 |url=https://trrjournalonline.trb.org/doi/abs/10.3141/1989-76}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX II |url=https://interreg.no/prosjektbank/roadex-ii/ |website=interreg.no |publisher=Interreg.no |accessdate=17 August 2018}}</ref> was a new 3 year collaboration, again part-funded by the EU, to develop ways for innovative road management of rural roads. It built on the networks created during the successful Article 10 ROADEX co-operation with additional inputs from local industry involving heavy road haulage to improve roads service provision across the area.


The four original Partners in the co-operation were joined by two new partners from Scotland: [[Forestry Commission|Forest Enterprise of Scotland]] and [[Comhairle nan Eilean Siar|Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar]] as well as a number of Associate Partners. These were: The Norwegian Hauliers Association,<ref>{{cite web |title=Norwegian hauliers association |url=https://lastebil.no/}}</ref> The Finnish Road Administration, Lapland District, [[Metsähallitus|Metsähallitus Forestry]], [[Stora Enso|Stora Enso Metsä]], [[Metsä Group|Metsäliitto Osuukunta]], and The Forestry Centre of Lapland.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Forestry Centre of Lapland |url=https://www.metsakeskus.fi/en/finnish-forest-centre-focusing-people-and-forest}}</ref> The involvement of these Partners from the forestry and forest products industry brought extensive experience of [[gravel road]] technology to the Partnership and permitted the co-operation to consider community roads in the widest possible context.
The Partners in the new co-operation were: The Highland Council of Scotland, The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, The Swedish National Road Administration Northern Region, [[Forestry Commission|Forest Enterprise of Scotland]], [[Comhairle nan Eilean Siar|Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar]], The Finnish Road Administration, District of Keski-Suomi and The Finnish Road Administration Central Administration.


The formal outputs of the co-operation included a DVD ''Focussing on low volume roads in the Northern Periphery'' and 11 technical reports concerning the management and maintenance of low volume roads.
The Lead Partner for the co-operation was The Highland Council and the budget was 511,250 EUR. Roadscanners Oy of Finland in association with Laboratorio Uleåborg Oy of Oulu was awarded the role of main consultant following an open EU tender process.

The co-operation also had a number of Associate Partners. These were: The Norwegian Hauliers Association,<ref>{{cite web |title=Norwegian hauliers association |url=https://lastebil.no/}}</ref> The Finnish Road Administration, Lapland District, [[Metsähallitus|Metsähallitus Forestry]], [[Stora Enso|Stora Enso Metsä]], [[Metsä Group|Metsäliitto Osuukunta]], and The Forestry Centre of Lapland.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Forestry Centre of Lapland |url=https://www.metsakeskus.fi/en/finnish-forest-centre-focusing-people-and-forest}}</ref> The involvement of these Partners from the [[forestry]] and [[Forest product|timber products]] industry brought extensive experience of [[gravel road]] technology to the Partnership and permitted the co-operation to consider community roads in the widest possible context.

The formal outputs of the co-operation included a DVD ''Focussing on low volume roads in the Northern Periphery'' and 11 [[technical report]]s concerning the management and maintenance of low volume roads.


== ROADEX III, 2006-2007 ==
== ROADEX III, 2006-2007 ==
===To disseminate, transfer and use the new ROADEX knowledge across the Northern Periphery area===


[[File:ROADEX III loo.png|thumb|ROADEX III project logo]]
[[File:ROADEX III loo.png|thumb|ROADEX III project logo]]
The EU part-funded ROADEX III co-operation was a 2 year trans-national collaboration that aimed to [[Dissemination|disseminate]] and [[Implementation|implement]] the roads management strategies, practices and innovation gathered under the pilot ROADEX co-operation and ROADEX II. This was done through a range of methods including producing [[Executive summary|executive summaries]] of ROADEX outputs in individual partner languages; presentations at conferences, seminars, workshops; training packages, web based information; and further pilot trials of prototype solutions on the rural road networks of the Partner areas.
ROADEX III aimed to [[Dissemination|disseminate]] and [[Implementation|implement]] the roads management strategies, practices and innovation gathered under the previous projects. This was done through a range of methods including producing [[Executive summary|executive summaries]] of ROADEX outputs in the various partner languages; presentations at conferences, seminars, workshops; training packages, web based information; and further pilot trials of prototype solutions on the rural road networks of the Partner areas.


The partners in the co-operation were The Highland Council, Forest Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar from Scotland, the Northern Region of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, The Northern Region of the Swedish Transport Administration and the [[Ministry for Rural Affairs (Sweden)|Swedish Forest Agency]], the Savo-Karjala and Keski-Suomi Regions of the [[Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment]] of Finland, The Icelandic Road Administration, [[Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport|The Department of Transport]] and [[National Roads Authority|The National Roads Authority]] from Ireland, The Municipality of Sisimiut of the [[Greenland Home Rule Government]] and the Swedish Board of Forestry, Dalarna/Gävleborg. In addition to these Partners The Finnish Road Administration Lapland District and The Association of Regional Road Authorities (RADOR),<ref>{{cite web |title=The Association of Regional Road Authorities (RADOR) |url=http://www.rador.ru/eng/}}</ref> Russia joined as Associate Partners.
The six partners from ROADEX II were joined by five new partners: The Icelandic Road Administration, The [[Ministry for Rural Affairs (Sweden)|Swedish Forest Agency]], [[Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport|The Department of Transport]] and [[National Roads Authority|The National Roads Authority]] from Ireland, and The Municipality of Sisimiut of the [[Greenland Home Rule Government]]. The Swedish Board of Forestry, Dalarna/Gävleborg and The Association of Regional Road Authorities (RADOR),<ref>{{cite web |title=The Association of Regional Road Authorities (RADOR) |url=http://www.rador.ru/eng/}}</ref> Russia joined as Associate Partners.

The Lead Partner for the co-operation was The Swedish National Road Administration and the budget was 797,030 EUR. Roadscanners Oy of Finland in association with Laboratorio Uleåborg Oy of Oulu was awarded the role of main consultant following an open EU tender process.


The formal outputs of the co-operation included 3 DVDs<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX III DVDs |url=http://www.roadex.org/services/knowledge-center/roadex-media/ |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> and 14 technical reports on the management and maintenance of low volume roads.
The formal outputs of the co-operation included 3 DVDs<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX III DVDs |url=http://www.roadex.org/services/knowledge-center/roadex-media/ |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> and 14 technical reports on the management and maintenance of low volume roads.


The Northern Periphery Programme recommended the ROADEX co-operation for a RegioStars award<ref>{{cite web |title=RegioStars Awards leaflet |url=http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/projects/regiostars/doc/regiostars2009_leaflet.pdf}}</ref> in 2009. At the award ceremony the co-operation received a special mention from the RegioStars 2009 Jury.<ref name="auto"/>
At the conclusion of the project The Northern Periphery Programme recommended the ROADEX co-operation for a RegioStars award<ref>{{cite web |title=RegioStars Awards leaflet |url=http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/projects/regiostars/doc/regiostars2009_leaflet.pdf}}</ref> in 2009. At the award ceremony the co-operation received a special mention from the RegioStars 2009 Jury.<ref name="auto"/>


==ROADEX IV Implementing Accessibility, 2009-2012==
==ROADEX IV, 2009-2012==
===Implementing ROADEX technologies across the Partner areas===


[[File:ROADEX IV.png|thumb|ROADEX IV logo]]
[[File:ROADEX IV.png|thumb|ROADEX IV logo]]
This Fourth EU part-funded ROADEX co-operation<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX IV |url=http://www.northernperiphery.eu/en/projects/show/&tid=63 |website=www.northernperiphery.eu |publisher=Northern Periphery Programme |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX IV |url=https://interreg.no/prosjektbank/roadex-iv/ |website=interreg.no |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sigursteinsson |first1=H |title=ROADEX IV |url=http://www.vegagerdin.is/vefur2.nsf/Files/Roadex_vegir_a_nordurslodum/$file/Haraldur%20Sigursteinsson.pdf |website=www.vegagerdin.is |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX IV - Case Study 5 |url=http://www.interreg-npa.eu/fileadmin/Programme_Documents/Achievements_for_web.pdf |website=www.interreg-npa.eu |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref> aimed to change construction and maintenance of rural roads across the Northern Periphery by demonstrating what was possible when new ROADEX technologies were used.<ref>{{cite web |title=NPP Achivements 2007-2013 |url=http://www.interreg-npa.eu/fileadmin/Programme_Documents/Achievements_for_web.pdf |website=www.interreg-npa.eu}}</ref> Demonstration projects<ref>{{cite web |last1=Danmarks Tekniske Universitetet |title=Drainage Demonstration Projects in Greenland |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ROADEX-Drainage-Demonstrations-in-Nuuk-Greenland-2011.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> of ROADEX methods were carried out in the local Partner areas supported by a new pan-regional ROADEX Consultancy Service<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX Consultancy Service |url=http://www.roadex.org/services/consultancy/ |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> and Knowledge Centre.<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX Knowledge Center |url=http://www.roadex.org/services/knowledge-center/ |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> Through these, roads administrations were able to directly experience the benefits and cost savings available and so encourage their adoption through their organisations. Joint research and development also continued in the areas of climate change,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hudecz |first1=A |title=Climate Change Adaptation - A Report on Climate Change Adaptation Measures for Low Volume Roads in the Northern Periphery |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/18494336.pdf |website=core.ac.uk}}</ref> road widening<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tikkanen |first1=S |title=Road Widening Literature Review and Questionnaire Responses |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Road_Widening_review_and_questionnaire-2010.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin P |first1=Saarenketo T |title=Road Widening Guidelines |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ROADEX-Road-Widening-Guidelines-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> and the health issues that can arise from poorly maintained roads.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Granlund |first1=J |title=Vehicle and Human Vibration due to Road Condition |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Vehicle-and-human-vibration-due-to-road-condition-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Granlund |first1=J |title=Reducing Health and Safety Risks on Poorly Maintained Rural Roads |url=http://road-transport-technology.org/Proceedings/HVTT%2011/Papers/Granlund%20-%20Reducing%20Health%20and%20Safety%20Risks%20on%20Poorly%20Maintained%20Rural%20Roads.pdf |website=road-transport-technology.org}}</ref>
This Fourth EU part-funded ROADEX co-operation<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX IV |url=http://www.northernperiphery.eu/en/projects/show/&tid=63 |website=www.northernperiphery.eu |publisher=Northern Periphery Programme |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX IV |url=https://interreg.no/prosjektbank/roadex-iv/ |website=interreg.no |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sigursteinsson |first1=H |title=ROADEX IV |url=http://www.vegagerdin.is/vefur2.nsf/Files/Roadex_vegir_a_nordurslodum/$file/Haraldur%20Sigursteinsson.pdf |website=www.vegagerdin.is |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX IV - Case Study 5 |url=http://www.interreg-npa.eu/fileadmin/Programme_Documents/Achievements_for_web.pdf |website=www.interreg-npa.eu |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref> set out to demonstrate what was possible using the new ROADEX technologies.<ref>{{cite web |title=NPP Achivements 2007-2013 |url=http://www.interreg-npa.eu/fileadmin/Programme_Documents/Achievements_for_web.pdf |website=www.interreg-npa.eu}}</ref>


Demonstrations of the ROADEX methods were carried out in the local Partner areas supported by a new pan-regional ROADEX Consultancy Service and Knowledge Centre. Joint research and development also continued in the areas of climate change,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hudecz |first1=A |title=Climate Change Adaptation - A Report on Climate Change Adaptation Measures for Low Volume Roads in the Northern Periphery |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/18494336.pdf |website=core.ac.uk}}</ref> road widening<ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin P |first1=Saarenketo T |title=Road Widening Guidelines |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ROADEX-Road-Widening-Guidelines-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> and the health issues that can arise from poorly maintained roads.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Granlund |first1=J |title=Reducing Health and Safety Risks on Poorly Maintained Rural Roads |url=http://road-transport-technology.org/Proceedings/HVTT%2011/Papers/Granlund%20-%20Reducing%20Health%20and%20Safety%20Risks%20on%20Poorly%20Maintained%20Rural%20Roads.pdf |website=road-transport-technology.org}}</ref>
The Partners in the co-operation comprised public road administrations and forestry organizations from across the European Northern Periphery: The The Highland Council, Forestry Commission Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar from Scotland; the Northern Region of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration; the Northern Region of the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Forest Agency; the Lappi, Savo-Karjala and Keski-Suomi Regions of the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Finland; The Icelandic Road Administration; The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and The National Roads Authority from Ireland; and the Greenland Home Rule Government. The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC)<ref>{{cite web |title=The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) |url=https://fpinnovations.ca/Pages/index.aspx}}</ref> and [[Coillte]] of Ireland contributed to the co-operation as Associate Partners.


The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC)<ref>{{cite web |title=The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) |url=https://fpinnovations.ca/Pages/index.aspx}}</ref> and [[Coillte]] of Ireland contributed to the co-operation as Associate Partners.
The Lead Partner again for the co-operation was The Swedish National Road Administration with a budget of 2,163,473 EUR. Roadscanners Oy of Finland in association with Laboratorio Uleåborg Oy of Oulu was appointed as main consultant after an open EU tender process.


Each [[Technology demonstration|demonstration project]] was followed up by a fully referenced technical report published on the ROADEX website. These continue to be available free of charge to all. In all over 30 technical reports were published. Typically these reports covered roads related issues such as drainage analysis techniques across different countries and road landscapes,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Matintupa A |first1=Tuisku S |title=Summary of Drainage Analysis in Ireland |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Summary-of-Drainage-Analysis-in-Ireland-roads-N59-and-N59-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Matintupa A |first1=Tuisku S |title=Summary of Drainage Analysis in the Scottish Highlands |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Summary-of-Drainage-Analysis-in-the-Scottish-Highlands-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Matintupa A |first1=Tuisku S |title=Summary of Drainage Analysis in Region Nord Norway |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Summary-of-Drainage-Analysis-in-Region-Nord-Norway-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Matintupa A |first1=Tuisku S |title=Summary of Drainage Analysis in Iceland |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Summary-of-Drainage-Analysis-in-Iceland-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> demonstrations of state-of-the-art road rehabilitations and widening,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin P |first1=Saarenketo T |title=Road Widening Field Surveys in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Scotland |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ROADEX-Road-Widening-Field-Survey-Report.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> condition surveys and rehabilitation proposals for forest roads,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Christoffersson P |first1=Johansson S |title=Rehabilitation of the Timmerleden Forest Road |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Rehabilitation-of-the-Timmerleden-Forest-Road-design-construction-and-quality-control-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Drake |first1=A |title=Gleann Mor Forest Road Scotland |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Gleann-Mor-Forest-Road-Scotland-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Drake |first1=A |title=Glen Fiddich Forest Road Scotland |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Glen-Fiddich-forest-road-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> as well as a summary report on the benefits & savings<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo T |display-authors=etal |title=ROADEX Benefits and Savings - Achieving More with Less |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ROADEX-IV-Benefits-and-Savings-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> that could be accrued using ROADEX strategies and technologies.
Each [[Technology demonstration|demonstration project]] was followed up by a fully referenced technical report published on the ROADEX website. These continue to be available free of charge to all. In all over 30 technical reports were published. Typically these reports covered roads related issues such as drainage analysis techniques across different countries and road landscapes, demonstrations of state-of-the-art road rehabilitations and widening, condition surveys and rehabilitation proposals for forest roads, as well as a summary report on the benefits & savings<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo T |display-authors=etal |title=ROADEX Benefits and Savings - Achieving More with Less |url=http://www.roadex.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ROADEX-IV-Benefits-and-Savings-2012.pdf |website=www.roadex.org}}</ref> that could be accrued using ROADEX strategies and technologies.


The EU part-funding of the ROADEX co-operations ended in 2012<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX IV - ROADEX Network Implementing Accessibility 4.1 |url=http://www.northernperiphery.eu/en/projects/show/&tid=63&print=1 |website=www.northernperiphery.eu |publisher=Northern Periphery Programme |accessdate=17 August 2018}}</ref> at which point the Partners committed themselves to jointly self-fund a ROADEX Network to permit continued information sharing and research.
A major output for this co-operation was the web-based e-learning suite of four [[E-learning (theory)|e-learning]] lessons.<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX E-learning portal |url=http://www.roadex.org/e-learning/}}</ref> These lessons summarised the ROADEX research and were designed to help learning in the workplace and in academic institutions. As with the ROADEX III reports, the e-learning lessons were also offered in the partner languages of Finnish,<ref>{{cite web |title=Finnish e-learning lessons |url=http://www.roadex.org/fi/e-learning/kurssit/}}</ref> Greenlandic,<ref>{{cite web |title=Greenlandic e-learning lessons |url=http://www.roadex.org/gl/e-learning/ilinniut/}}</ref> Icelandic,<ref>{{cite web |title=Icelandic e-learning lessons |url=http://www.roadex.org/is/e-learning/namskeid/}}</ref> Norwegian,<ref>{{cite web |title=Norwegian e-learning lessons |url=http://www.roadex.org/nb/e-learning/leksjon/}}</ref> and Swedish<ref>{{cite web |title=Swedish e-learning lessons |url=http://www.roadex.org/sv/e-learning/lektioner/}}</ref> to aid their dissemination and implementation.


== ROADEX E-learning ==
The EU part-funding of the ROADEX co-operations ended in 2012<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX IV - ROADEX Network Implementing Accessibility 4.1 |url=http://www.northernperiphery.eu/en/projects/show/&tid=63&print=1 |website=www.northernperiphery.eu |publisher=Northern Periphery Programme |accessdate=17 August 2018}}</ref> at which point the Partners committed themselves to jointly self-fund a ROADEX Network to permit continued information sharing and research. This Network is still active.


[[File:ROADEX e-learning users.png|thumb|Locations of ROADEX users]]
== The ROADEX Network since 2012 ==
A major output for the ROADEX IV Project was the web-based e-learning suite of four [[E-learning (theory)|e-learning]] lessons.<ref>{{cite web |title=ROADEX E-learning portal |url=http://www.roadex.org/e-learning/}}</ref>

* Drainage of roads
* Causes and solutions for deformations in roads
* Road construction over peat
* Environmental considerations for roads

These lessons summarise the ROADEX research I the respective areas and have been designed to help learning in the workplace and in academic institutions. All four are available in the main partner languages to encourage dissemination and implementation.

As of 2019 the project website is averaging over 5,000 users per month from around the world seeking information and solutions, including such countries as India (18%), USA (13%), Philippines (8%), Malaysia (5%), Nigeria (5%).

== The ROADEX Network ==
[[File:ROADEX Network.png|thumb|ROADEX Network logo]]
[[File:ROADEX Network.png|thumb|ROADEX Network logo]]
The EU Northern Periphery Programme part-funded ROADEX co-operations came to an end on 30 June 2012 with the successful completion of the ROADEX ''Implementing Accessibility'' 2009–2012. The ROADEX collaboration continued however self-funded by the ROADEX Partners as the ''ROADEX Network''. The aim of this Network is to continue close working between the Partners on all matters concerning the management of low volume rural roads including the ROADEX website, knowledge centre, e-learning system, results, reports etc. The Lead Partner for the ROADEX Network is the Northern Region of The Swedish Road Administration.
The present ROADEX Network commenced in 1012 and aims to continue the close working on rural roads between Partners. This includes keeping the ROADEX website, knowledge centre, e-learning and reports live and up-to-date, as well as continuing to carry out joint research in areas of common interest.

The 13 continuing partner organizations are: Transport Scotland, The Highland Council, Forestry Commission Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar;<ref>{{cite web |title=Report by Director of Technical Services, 28 Nov 2012 |url=https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/committees/transportation/agendas/november2012/P%20Item%2016%20Roadex%20Legacy.pdf |website=www.cne-siar.gov.uk}}</ref> the Northern Region of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration; the Northern Region of the Swedish National Road Administration and the Swedish Forest Agency; the Lapland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment; The [[Finnish Transport Agency]], The Icelandic Road Administration; The Department of Transport Tourism and Sport, The Road Management Office and The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine from Ireland.

From the outset the Network Secretariat was tasked with continuing the legacy of the ROADEX co-operations: the website, knowledge centre, e-learning packages, co-operation outputs, technical reports and others. Its aim was to move the ROADEX collaboration further to continue to promote the application of state-of-the-art strategies and technologies in low volume road management.<ref>{{cite web |last1=White D |first1=Vennapusa P |title=Low-Cost Rural Surface Alternatives - Draft Final Report, December 2013 |url=https://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2013/fullreports/TR-632%20Final%20Report.pdf |website=www.iowadot.gov |publisher=Center for Earthworks Engineering Research (CEER), Iowa State University |accessdate=17 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo T |first1=Varin P |title=Effect of Tyre and Axle Configurations on Pavement Durability - A ROADEX Network Prestudy |url=http://www.nvfnorden.org/library/Files/Utskott-och-tema/Vagens-konstruktion/Møter-og-protokoller/Årsmøder/Stavanger-2014/Saarenketo,%20Roadex%20Heavy%20trucks.pdf |website=www.nvfnorden.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Arnold G |display-authors=etal |title=Pavement moisture measurement to indicate risk to pavement life, March 2017 |url=https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/611/611.pdf |website=www.nzta.govt.nz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo T |display-authors=etal |title=The use of Ground Penetrating Radar, Thermal Camera and Laser Scanner Technology in Asphalt Crack Detection and Diagnostics |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lx7J_WxC4GsC&pg=PA144&dq=roadex+project&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjU-JL0tOfcAhWrA8AKHW5bB1sQ6AEILjAB#v=onepage&q=roadex%20project&f=false |website=books.google.co.uk |publisher=7th RILEM International Cnference on Cracking in Pavements, p137-145 |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref>

The Partners aim to have one physical steering committee meeting and one Skype steering committee meeting per year with the physical meeting ideally being held in conjunction with an annual conference or workshop in the chosen partner area. These meetings monitor the dissemination of the ROADEX strategies & technologies and receive information on how ROADEX results are being implemented by the partner areas. [[Round table (discussion)|Round-table discussions]] and work sessions are arranged on topics to be selected by the partners to facilitate in-depth exchange of ideas and experiences.


Recent noteworthy projects involving technologies developed by the ROADEX Network include: research into the effects of the new generations of heavy trucks on [[Road surface|asphalt pavement]] lifetimes;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin |first1=P |title=New Heavy Trucks and Pavements - Experiences from Finland |url=https://closer.lindholmen.se/sites/default/files/content/PDF/2_erfarenheter_finland_petri_varin.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin P |first1=Saarenketo T |title=The effect of new tyre type, tyre pressure and axle configurations of heavy trucks on asphalt pavement lifetime |url=http://www.h-a-d.hr/pubfile.php?id=944}}</ref> the Pajala Mine Road in Sweden (2013);<ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin P |display-authors=etal |title=Impact Analysis of Kaunisvaara - Svappavaara Road Iron Ore Transportation Options |url=https://nanopdf.com/download/p-varin-t-saarenketo-roadscanners-oy_pdf}}</ref> the PEHKO<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tapio R |display-authors=etal |title=PEHKO Project 2015-2025, increasing the productivity of paved road management in Finland |url=http://www.h-a-d.hr/pubfile.php?id=981 |website=www.h-a-d.hr |publisher=6th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress 2016, Prague, Czech Republic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo |first1=T |title=PEHKO Project – Hur upståren en skadeskuldinom väganläggningar |url=http://www.nvfnorden.org/library/Files/Utskott-2016-2020/V%C3%A4gteknologi/Sommarmoten/2017-Sverige/Seminarium/9_FIN_NVF%20STOCKHOM%202017%20TimoS.pdf |website=www.nvfnorden.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Kolisoja P |first1=Saarenketo T |title=Effects of super heavy trucks on the condition of road infrastructure |publisher=CRC Press |location=Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways and Airfields: Proceedings of the 10th Conference, Athens, 28–30 June 2017 |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=csItDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA701&dq=pehko+roadex&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf37untufcAhXQNcAKHdrcAKEQ6AEILjAB#v=onepage&q=pehko%20roadex&f=false |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref> 2015-2025 project in Finland.
The 13 continuing partner organizations at the time of the new Network were: Transport Scotland, The Highland Council, Forestry Commission Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar;<ref>{{cite web |title=Report by Director of Technical Services, 28 Nov 2012 |url=https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/committees/transportation/agendas/november2012/P%20Item%2016%20Roadex%20Legacy.pdf |website=www.cne-siar.gov.uk}}</ref> the Northern Region of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration; the Northern Region of the Swedish National Road Administration and the Swedish Forest Agency; the Lapland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment; The [[Finnish Transport Agency]], The Icelandic Road Administration; The Department of Transport Tourism and Sport, The Road Management Office and The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine from Ireland.


== The PEHKO Project ==
From the outset the Network was charged with taking care of the legacy of the ROADEX co-operations: the website, knowledge centre, e-learning packages, co-operation outputs, technical reports and others. Its aim was to move the ROADEX collaboration further to continue to promote the application of state-of-the-art strategies and technologies in low volume road management.<ref>{{cite web |last1=White D |first1=Vennapusa P |title=Low-Cost Rural Surface Alternatives - Draft Final Report, December 2013 |url=https://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2013/fullreports/TR-632%20Final%20Report.pdf |website=www.iowadot.gov |publisher=Center for Earthworks Engineering Research (CEER), Iowa State University |accessdate=17 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo T |first1=Varin P |title=Effect of Tyre and Axle Configurations on Pavement Durability - A ROADEX Network Prestudy |url=http://www.nvfnorden.org/library/Files/Utskott-och-tema/Vagens-konstruktion/Møter-og-protokoller/Årsmøder/Stavanger-2014/Saarenketo,%20Roadex%20Heavy%20trucks.pdf |website=www.nvfnorden.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Arnold G |display-authors=etal |title=Pavement moisture measurement to indicate risk to pavement life, March 2017 |url=https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/611/611.pdf |website=www.nzta.govt.nz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo T |display-authors=etal |title=The use of Ground Penetrating Radar, Thermal Camera and Laser Scanner Technology in Asphalt Crack Detection and Diagnostics |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lx7J_WxC4GsC&pg=PA144&dq=roadex+project&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjU-JL0tOfcAhWrA8AKHW5bB1sQ6AEILjAB#v=onepage&q=roadex%20project&f=false |website=books.google.co.uk |publisher=7th RILEM International Cnference on Cracking in Pavements, p137-145 |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref>


The PEHKO Project is the first full test and assessment of ROADEX strategies and technologies on a live public road network. The Finnish Transport Agency originally commissioned the project in 2015 on two tests areas the [[Kemi-Tornio sub-region|Kemi-Tornio]] and [[Karstula]] road networks to take place over the 10 year period to 2025, and extended the brief to the [[Uusimaa]] area outside Helsinki in 2018.
A main challenge for the collaboration is how to use developing applications in [[Digitization|digitalization]], new technologies and [[robotics]] to produce new tools and strategies for road asset management. New technologies based on road [[diagnosis|diagnostics]] and [[proactive maintenance]] can allow minor defects to be addressed as they arise before they grow into serious issues.


[[File:PEHKO project.png|thumb|Figures from the PEHKO project: LHS - Point Cloud screenshot showing rutting on the road surface. RHS - Survey vehicle equipped with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Laser Scanner, 3D accelerometer and digital video]]
The day to day running of the Network is contracted to a consulting [[Secretariat (administrative office)|Secretariat]] for a fixed term. The contract for this is subject to standard EU rules. As well as carrying out the normal administrative duties the Secretariat is also responsible for giving guidance to the partners on the management of low-volume roads and promoting ROADEX technologies internationally. The current Secretariat for the ROADEX Network is Roadscanners Oy.


The project involves using ROADEX state-of-the-art surveys and analyses to formulate a maintenance plan for the test areas with the aim of reducing maintenance costs, whilst at the same time improving the overall condition. The key operations being carried out in the areas are improved drainage maintenance, pro-active [[snow removal]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo |first1=T |title=Winter Maintenance and the Annual Costs of Pavements |url=https://tapahtumat.tieyhdistys.fi/site/assets/files/1344/saarenketo.pdf |website=tapahtumat.tieyhdistys.fi}}</ref> and targeted rehabilitations focussed only those road sections that need action and not on lengthy standard solutions. Early results in 2016<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo |first1=T |title=The effect of better maintenance to |url=http://www.nvfnorden.org/library/Files/Utskott-2016-2020/Drift-och-underh%C3%A5ll/CUserskenneth.natanaelssonDesktopNVFVasaUtskickNVF%202018%20TimoS.pdf |website=www.nvfnorden.org}}</ref> have already shown clear benefits in the new ROADEX strategies over the former practices.
The Partners aim to have one physical steering committee meeting and one Skype steering committee meeting per year with the physical meeting ideally being held in conjunction with an annual conference or workshop in the chosen partner area. These meetings will monitor the dissemination of the ROADEX strategies & technologies and receive information on how ROADEX results are being implemented by the partner areas. [[Round table (discussion)|Round-table discussions]] and work sessions will be arranged on topics to be selected by the partners to facilitate in-depth exchange of ideas and experiences.


Such has been the success of the PEHKO project, and the potential operational savings it offers, that it was awarded the 2018 Global Road Achievement Award for ″''Asset Preservation and Maintenance Management''″ <ref name="auto1"/> by the [[International Road Federation]]. The PEHKO Project and ROADEX technologies continue to publish results internationally<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo |first1=T |title=PEHKO project - implementing ROADEX recommendations for rural road asset management in Finland |url=https://iscord2019.exordo.com/programme/presentation/116}}</ref>
[[File:PEHKO project.png|thumb|PEHKO project: LHS - Point Cloud screenshot showing deformations on the road surface. RHS - Survey vehicle equipped with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Laser Scanner, 3D accelerometer and digital video]]
Recent noteworthy projects involving technologies developed by the ROADEX Network include: research into the effects of the new generations of heavy trucks on [[Road surface|asphalt pavement]] lifetimes;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin |first1=P |title=New Heavy Trucks and Pavements - Experiences from Finland |url=https://closer.lindholmen.se/sites/default/files/content/PDF/2_erfarenheter_finland_petri_varin.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin P |first1=Saarenketo T |title=The effect of new tyre type, tyre pressure and axle configurations of heavy trucks on asphalt pavement lifetime |url=http://www.h-a-d.hr/pubfile.php?id=944}}</ref> the Pajala Mine Road in Sweden (2013);<ref>{{cite web |last1=Varin P |display-authors=etal |title=Impact Analysis of Kaunisvaara - Svappavaara Road Iron Ore Transportation Options |url=https://nanopdf.com/download/p-varin-t-saarenketo-roadscanners-oy_pdf}}</ref> the PEHKO<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tapio R |display-authors=etal |title=PEHKO Project 2015-2025, increasing the productivity of paved road management in Finland |url=http://www.h-a-d.hr/pubfile.php?id=981 |website=www.h-a-d.hr |publisher=6th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress 2016, Prague, Czech Republic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo |first1=T |title=PEHKO Project – Hur upståren en skadeskuldinom väganläggningar |url=http://www.nvfnorden.org/library/Files/Utskott-2016-2020/V%C3%A4gteknologi/Sommarmoten/2017-Sverige/Seminarium/9_FIN_NVF%20STOCKHOM%202017%20TimoS.pdf |website=www.nvfnorden.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Kolisoja P |first1=Saarenketo T |title=Effects of super heavy trucks on the condition of road infrastructure |publisher=CRC Press |location=Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways and Airfields: Proceedings of the 10th Conference, Athens, 28–30 June 2017 |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=csItDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA701&dq=pehko+roadex&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf37untufcAhXQNcAKHdrcAKEQ6AEILjAB#v=onepage&q=pehko%20roadex&f=false |accessdate=18 August 2018}}</ref> 2015-2025 project in Finland. In this last named project the Finnish Transport Agency commissioned the first full range assessment of ROADEX strategies and technologies to test what they can achieve in practice on live public road networks. The tests areas for the assessments are the [[Kemi-Tornio sub-region|Kemi-Tornio]] and [[Karstula]] road networks and will take place over the 10 year period 2015-2025. These tests bring together ROADEX state-of-the-art surveys and analyses to formulate an overall maintenance strategy with the aim of reducing costs, whilst at the same time improving the condition of the test road networks. The key operations being carried out in the test areas are improved drainage maintenance, pro-active [[snow removal]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo |first1=T |title=Winter Maintenance and the Annual Costs of Pavements |url=https://tapahtumat.tieyhdistys.fi/site/assets/files/1344/saarenketo.pdf |website=tapahtumat.tieyhdistys.fi}}</ref> and targeted rehabilitations focussed only those road sections that need action and not on lengthy standard solutions. Early results in 2016<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo |first1=T |title=The effect of better maintenance to |url=http://www.nvfnorden.org/library/Files/Utskott-2016-2020/Drift-och-underh%C3%A5ll/CUserskenneth.natanaelssonDesktopNVFVasaUtskickNVF%202018%20TimoS.pdf |website=www.nvfnorden.org}}</ref> have already shown clear benefits in the new ROADEX strategies over the former practices, and such has been the early successes in the two test areas that a third area operational area has been commissioned as a ROADEX test area outside [[Helsinki]] commencing 2018. Such has been the success of the PEHKO project, and the potential operational savings it offers, that it was awarded the 2018 Global Road Achievement Award for ″''Asset Preservation and Maintenance Management''″ <ref name="auto1"/> by the [[International Road Federation]]. The PEHKO Project and ROADEX technologies continue to publish results internationally<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saarenketo |first1=T |title=PEHKO project - implementing ROADEX recommendations for rural road asset management in Finland |url=https://iscord2019.exordo.com/programme/presentation/116}}</ref>
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

Revision as of 16:17, 27 December 2019

The ROADEX Project is a collaboration of northern European roads organisations from Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Scotland and Sweden brought together with the aim of improving the condition of their rural road networks, and rural roads generally.

Map of the ROADEX partner countries

The project started as a European Union pilot in 1998 and over the intervening period, and co-operations, has grown into a centre of information for all things concerning the management of sustainable rural roads. As of 2019 the project website is averaging over 5,000 hits per month from around the world seeking information and solutions for rural roads.

The outputs of the collaboration were recognised by a European Union RegioStars special mention.[1] and more recently ROADEX strategies and technologies were recognised internationally in a 2018 Global Road Achievement Award by the International Road Federation for ″Asset Preservation and Maintenance Management″ [2]

ROADEX Partner organisations

The ROADEX Network currently consists of 13 partners from 6 countries comprising 6 national roads administrations, a government department, 3 government agencies, 2 local authorities and a roads district.

Country Partner Acronym Status Role
 Sweden Northern Region of The Swedish Road Administration SRA Road Administration Chairman
 Norway Norwegian Public Roads Administration NPRA Road Administration Partner
 Iceland Icelandic Road Administration ICERA Road Administration Partner
 Ireland Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport DOT Road Administration Partner
 Finland Finnish Transport Agency FTA Road Administration Partner
 Scotland Transport Scotland TS Road Administration Partner
 Ireland Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine DAFM Government department Partner
 Ireland Road Management Office RMO Government Agency Partner
 Scotland Forestry Commission FC Government Agency Partner
 Sweden Swedish Forest Agency SFA Government Agency Partner
 Scotland Comhairle nan Eilean Siar CNES Local Authority Partner
 Scotland Highland Council HC Local Authority Partner
 Finland Lapland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment ELY Road District Partner

A brief history of the project and its evolution is set out below.

The ROADEX Pilot project, 1998-2001

File:ROADEX pilot.png
ROADEX logo

The aim of the EU Pilot ROADEX project was to create a northern European forum for the exchange of information on low volume rural roads. (ROADs Information EXchange = ROADEX).

These roads are vital arteries for the local communities they serve, as well as being major transportation routes for their internationally important timber and fishing industries. The four Partners areas of the co-operation were Finnish Lapland, Troms County of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the Northern Region of The Swedish National Road Administration and the Highland Council of Scotland.

The Pilot co-operation was 50% funded by the European Union and 50% by the partner road districts, and additionally received support from The Scottish Executive and The Icelandic Road Administration.

With the success of the pilot co-operation the partners agreed to commit themselves to a further collaboration.

ROADEX II, 2002-2005

File:ROADEX II.png
ROADEX II logo

The ROADEX II co-operation[3][4] was a new 3 year collaboration, again part-funded by the EU, to develop ways for innovative road management of rural roads. It built on the networks created during the successful Article 10 ROADEX co-operation with additional inputs from local industry involving heavy road haulage to improve roads service provision across the area.

The four original Partners in the co-operation were joined by two new partners from Scotland: Forest Enterprise of Scotland and Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar as well as a number of Associate Partners. These were: The Norwegian Hauliers Association,[5] The Finnish Road Administration, Lapland District, Metsähallitus Forestry, Stora Enso Metsä, Metsäliitto Osuukunta, and The Forestry Centre of Lapland.[6] The involvement of these Partners from the forestry and forest products industry brought extensive experience of gravel road technology to the Partnership and permitted the co-operation to consider community roads in the widest possible context.

The formal outputs of the co-operation included a DVD Focussing on low volume roads in the Northern Periphery and 11 technical reports concerning the management and maintenance of low volume roads.

ROADEX III, 2006-2007

File:ROADEX III loo.png
ROADEX III project logo

ROADEX III aimed to disseminate and implement the roads management strategies, practices and innovation gathered under the previous projects. This was done through a range of methods including producing executive summaries of ROADEX outputs in the various partner languages; presentations at conferences, seminars, workshops; training packages, web based information; and further pilot trials of prototype solutions on the rural road networks of the Partner areas.

The six partners from ROADEX II were joined by five new partners: The Icelandic Road Administration, The Swedish Forest Agency, The Department of Transport and The National Roads Authority from Ireland, and The Municipality of Sisimiut of the Greenland Home Rule Government. The Swedish Board of Forestry, Dalarna/Gävleborg and The Association of Regional Road Authorities (RADOR),[7] Russia joined as Associate Partners.

The formal outputs of the co-operation included 3 DVDs[8] and 14 technical reports on the management and maintenance of low volume roads.

At the conclusion of the project The Northern Periphery Programme recommended the ROADEX co-operation for a RegioStars award[9] in 2009. At the award ceremony the co-operation received a special mention from the RegioStars 2009 Jury.[1]

ROADEX IV, 2009-2012

File:ROADEX IV.png
ROADEX IV logo

This Fourth EU part-funded ROADEX co-operation[10][11][12][13] set out to demonstrate what was possible using the new ROADEX technologies.[14]

Demonstrations of the ROADEX methods were carried out in the local Partner areas supported by a new pan-regional ROADEX Consultancy Service and Knowledge Centre. Joint research and development also continued in the areas of climate change,[15] road widening[16] and the health issues that can arise from poorly maintained roads.[17]

The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC)[18] and Coillte of Ireland contributed to the co-operation as Associate Partners.

Each demonstration project was followed up by a fully referenced technical report published on the ROADEX website. These continue to be available free of charge to all. In all over 30 technical reports were published. Typically these reports covered roads related issues such as drainage analysis techniques across different countries and road landscapes, demonstrations of state-of-the-art road rehabilitations and widening, condition surveys and rehabilitation proposals for forest roads, as well as a summary report on the benefits & savings[19] that could be accrued using ROADEX strategies and technologies.

The EU part-funding of the ROADEX co-operations ended in 2012[20] at which point the Partners committed themselves to jointly self-fund a ROADEX Network to permit continued information sharing and research.

ROADEX E-learning

Locations of ROADEX users

A major output for the ROADEX IV Project was the web-based e-learning suite of four e-learning lessons.[21]

  • Drainage of roads
  • Causes and solutions for deformations in roads
  • Road construction over peat
  • Environmental considerations for roads

These lessons summarise the ROADEX research I the respective areas and have been designed to help learning in the workplace and in academic institutions. All four are available in the main partner languages to encourage dissemination and implementation.

As of 2019 the project website is averaging over 5,000 users per month from around the world seeking information and solutions, including such countries as India (18%), USA (13%), Philippines (8%), Malaysia (5%), Nigeria (5%).

The ROADEX Network

File:ROADEX Network.png
ROADEX Network logo

The present ROADEX Network commenced in 1012 and aims to continue the close working on rural roads between Partners. This includes keeping the ROADEX website, knowledge centre, e-learning and reports live and up-to-date, as well as continuing to carry out joint research in areas of common interest.

The 13 continuing partner organizations are: Transport Scotland, The Highland Council, Forestry Commission Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar;[22] the Northern Region of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration; the Northern Region of the Swedish National Road Administration and the Swedish Forest Agency; the Lapland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment; The Finnish Transport Agency, The Icelandic Road Administration; The Department of Transport Tourism and Sport, The Road Management Office and The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine from Ireland.

From the outset the Network Secretariat was tasked with continuing the legacy of the ROADEX co-operations: the website, knowledge centre, e-learning packages, co-operation outputs, technical reports and others. Its aim was to move the ROADEX collaboration further to continue to promote the application of state-of-the-art strategies and technologies in low volume road management.[23][24][25][26]

The Partners aim to have one physical steering committee meeting and one Skype steering committee meeting per year with the physical meeting ideally being held in conjunction with an annual conference or workshop in the chosen partner area. These meetings monitor the dissemination of the ROADEX strategies & technologies and receive information on how ROADEX results are being implemented by the partner areas. Round-table discussions and work sessions are arranged on topics to be selected by the partners to facilitate in-depth exchange of ideas and experiences.

Recent noteworthy projects involving technologies developed by the ROADEX Network include: research into the effects of the new generations of heavy trucks on asphalt pavement lifetimes;[27][28] the Pajala Mine Road in Sweden (2013);[29] the PEHKO[30][31][32] 2015-2025 project in Finland.

The PEHKO Project

The PEHKO Project is the first full test and assessment of ROADEX strategies and technologies on a live public road network. The Finnish Transport Agency originally commissioned the project in 2015 on two tests areas the Kemi-Tornio and Karstula road networks to take place over the 10 year period to 2025, and extended the brief to the Uusimaa area outside Helsinki in 2018.

Figures from the PEHKO project: LHS - Point Cloud screenshot showing rutting on the road surface. RHS - Survey vehicle equipped with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Laser Scanner, 3D accelerometer and digital video

The project involves using ROADEX state-of-the-art surveys and analyses to formulate a maintenance plan for the test areas with the aim of reducing maintenance costs, whilst at the same time improving the overall condition. The key operations being carried out in the areas are improved drainage maintenance, pro-active snow removal[33] and targeted rehabilitations focussed only those road sections that need action and not on lengthy standard solutions. Early results in 2016[34] have already shown clear benefits in the new ROADEX strategies over the former practices.

Such has been the success of the PEHKO project, and the potential operational savings it offers, that it was awarded the 2018 Global Road Achievement Award for ″Asset Preservation and Maintenance Management″ [2] by the International Road Federation. The PEHKO Project and ROADEX technologies continue to publish results internationally[35]

References

  1. ^ a b "ROADEX receives special mentions RegioStars 2009". www.northernperiphery.eu.
  2. ^ a b "2018 Global Road Achievement Awards" (PDF). www.irf.global.
  3. ^ Munro R; et al. "ROADEX II Project: Focusing on Low-Volume Roads in the European Northern Periphery". Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. 1989: 76.
  4. ^ "ROADEX II". interreg.no. Interreg.no. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  5. ^ "Norwegian hauliers association".
  6. ^ "The Forestry Centre of Lapland".
  7. ^ "The Association of Regional Road Authorities (RADOR)".
  8. ^ "ROADEX III DVDs". www.roadex.org.
  9. ^ "RegioStars Awards leaflet" (PDF).
  10. ^ "ROADEX IV". www.northernperiphery.eu. Northern Periphery Programme. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  11. ^ "ROADEX IV". interreg.no. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  12. ^ Sigursteinsson, H. "ROADEX IV" (PDF). www.vegagerdin.is. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  13. ^ "ROADEX IV - Case Study 5" (PDF). www.interreg-npa.eu. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  14. ^ "NPP Achivements 2007-2013" (PDF). www.interreg-npa.eu.
  15. ^ Hudecz, A. "Climate Change Adaptation - A Report on Climate Change Adaptation Measures for Low Volume Roads in the Northern Periphery" (PDF). core.ac.uk.
  16. ^ Varin P, Saarenketo T. "Road Widening Guidelines" (PDF). www.roadex.org.
  17. ^ Granlund, J. "Reducing Health and Safety Risks on Poorly Maintained Rural Roads" (PDF). road-transport-technology.org.
  18. ^ "The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC)".
  19. ^ Saarenketo T; et al. "ROADEX Benefits and Savings - Achieving More with Less" (PDF). www.roadex.org.
  20. ^ "ROADEX IV - ROADEX Network Implementing Accessibility 4.1". www.northernperiphery.eu. Northern Periphery Programme. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  21. ^ "ROADEX E-learning portal".
  22. ^ "Report by Director of Technical Services, 28 Nov 2012" (PDF). www.cne-siar.gov.uk.
  23. ^ White D, Vennapusa P. "Low-Cost Rural Surface Alternatives - Draft Final Report, December 2013" (PDF). www.iowadot.gov. Center for Earthworks Engineering Research (CEER), Iowa State University. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  24. ^ Saarenketo T, Varin P. "Effect of Tyre and Axle Configurations on Pavement Durability - A ROADEX Network Prestudy" (PDF). www.nvfnorden.org.
  25. ^ Arnold G; et al. "Pavement moisture measurement to indicate risk to pavement life, March 2017" (PDF). www.nzta.govt.nz.
  26. ^ Saarenketo T; et al. "The use of Ground Penetrating Radar, Thermal Camera and Laser Scanner Technology in Asphalt Crack Detection and Diagnostics". books.google.co.uk. 7th RILEM International Cnference on Cracking in Pavements, p137-145. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  27. ^ Varin, P. "New Heavy Trucks and Pavements - Experiences from Finland" (PDF).
  28. ^ Varin P, Saarenketo T. "The effect of new tyre type, tyre pressure and axle configurations of heavy trucks on asphalt pavement lifetime".
  29. ^ Varin P; et al. "Impact Analysis of Kaunisvaara - Svappavaara Road Iron Ore Transportation Options".
  30. ^ Tapio R; et al. "PEHKO Project 2015-2025, increasing the productivity of paved road management in Finland". www.h-a-d.hr. 6th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress 2016, Prague, Czech Republic.
  31. ^ Saarenketo, T. "PEHKO Project – Hur upståren en skadeskuldinom väganläggningar" (PDF). www.nvfnorden.org.
  32. ^ Kolisoja P, Saarenketo T. Effects of super heavy trucks on the condition of road infrastructure. Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways and Airfields: Proceedings of the 10th Conference, Athens, 28–30 June 2017: CRC Press. Retrieved 18 August 2018.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  33. ^ Saarenketo, T. "Winter Maintenance and the Annual Costs of Pavements" (PDF). tapahtumat.tieyhdistys.fi.
  34. ^ Saarenketo, T. "The effect of better maintenance to" (PDF). www.nvfnorden.org.
  35. ^ Saarenketo, T. "PEHKO project - implementing ROADEX recommendations for rural road asset management in Finland".


Category:1998 establishments Category:Road transport in Europe Category:Northern Europe

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