Overview of Low-Volume Roads: Keynote Address

In this keynote address, the author defines low-volume roads as those in a rural environment that enable automobile operation and account for less than 500 vehicles per day, pointing out that this is an arbitrary definition, as are all definitions, for the sake of identifying the group of roads to be considered. He states that the significance of low-volume roads is dependent on the infrastructure development level of the county, region, state, or country and is closely related to economic development and growth. This is discussed using Uruguay as an example. He further states that low-volume road construction, upgrading, and maintenance are primary issues for countries with low-volume road networks and will become more important as development progresses. Remaining comments concern how low-volume roads can be improved. An overview of different trends and tools needed to have better roads is provided, with institutional strengthening and highway management through enhancement of planning, financing, design, construction, maintenance, and assessment practices identified as main areas.