Research Proposal: Evaluating the
Effectiveness of Road Maintenance
Practices on Road Quality and Safety on
the Roads Network under the Ethiopian
Roads Administration, Nekemte Road
Maintenance District
Introduction
Road quality and safety are critical aspects of transportation infrastructure that
directly affect the well-being and economic development of a region (World
Health Organization, 2018). The Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA) is
responsible for the management, maintenance, and improvement of the
country's road network. The Nekemte Road Maintenance District, being a part
of ERA, plays an essential role in ensuring the effectiveness of road
maintenance practices in its jurisdiction.
This research proposal aims to evaluate the effectiveness of road maintenance
practices on road quality and safety in the Nekemte Road Maintenance
District. The findings from this study will contribute to the ongoing efforts to
improve road maintenance practices in Ethiopia and enhance the overall road
network in the country.
Research Objectives
The primary objectives of this research are:
1. To assess the current road maintenance practices in the Nekemte Road
Maintenance District.
2. To evaluate the impact of road maintenance practices on road quality
and safety within the district.
3. To identify potential areas for improvement in road maintenance
practices to enhance road quality and safety.
4. To provide recommendations for the Ethiopian Roads Administration
and the Nekemte Road Maintenance District to improve road
maintenance practices.
Literature Review
The literature review will focus on the following areas:
1. Road maintenance practices: Various road maintenance practices,
including routine, periodic, and emergency maintenance, will be
examined to understand their implications on road quality and safety
(PIARC, 2016).
2. Road quality and safety: Key indicators and metrics used to assess
road quality and safety, such as road condition, ride quality,
and accident rates, will be reviewed (Asiimwe et al., 2020).
3. Road maintenance management: The importance of effective road
maintenance management, including planning, budgeting, and
monitoring, in improving road quality and safety will be explored
(AASHTO, 2018).
4. Case studies: Previous studies and research on road maintenance
practices in various countries and their impact on road quality and
safety will be analyzed to draw lessons for the Ethiopian context (Dawit
& Worku, 2017).
Methodology
A mixed-methods approach will be used for this research, incorporating both
quantitative and qualitative data. The following data collection methods will
be employed:
1. Secondary data analysis: A review of existing road maintenance
records, road quality and safety reports, and other relevant documents
from the Nekemte Road Maintenance District will be conducted.
2. Key informant interviews: Semi-structured interviews will be
conducted with road maintenance engineers, managers, and other
relevant stakeholders in the Nekemte Road Maintenance District to gain
insights into the current road maintenance practices and their
effectiveness.
3. Site visits: Site visits to selected road sections within the district will be
conducted to assess the road quality and safety conditions and observe
the road maintenance practices in action.
4. Questionnaires: A structured questionnaire will be administered to road
users within the Nekemte Road Maintenance District to gather their
perceptions of road quality and safety.
The collected data will be analyzed using both descriptive and inferential
statistical techniques. Qualitative data will be analyzed using content
analysis to identify common themes and patterns.
Expected Outcomes
The findings from this research are expected to:
1. Provide insights into the effectiveness of current road maintenance
practices in the Nekemte Road Maintenance District.
2. Identify potential areas for improvement in road maintenance practices
to enhance road quality and safety.
3. Inform the development of policy recommendations for the Ethiopian
Roads Administration and the Nekemte Road Maintenance District to
improve road maintenance practices.
Timeline
The proposed timeline for this research is as follows:
1. Month 1-2: Conduct literature review and develop research instruments.
2. Month 3-4: Collect and analyze data.
3. Month 5: Interpret findings and draft the research report.
4. Month 6: Finalize the research report and submit for review.
References
AASHTO. (2018). Transportation Asset Management Guide: A Focus on
Implementation. American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials.
Asiimwe, B., Bamutaze, Y., & Ninsiima, A. (2020). Road infrastructure
quality and traffic accidents in Uganda: a spatial analysis approach. Journal of
Transport Geography, 82, 102606.
Dawit, F., & Worku, G. (2017). Road traffic accident: The neglected health
problem in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of
Health Development, 31(1), 14-23.
PIARC. (2016). Road Maintenance: Executive Summary. World Road
Association.
World Health Organization. (2018). Global status report on road safety 2018.
World Health Organization.
