How a New Zealand Council Saves Up to $3,000 a Day on Roadworks The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council in New Zealand has found an innovative way to reduce roadworks costs by up to $3,000 a day. The council has implemented a new program that utilizes drones to map and inspect roads, significantly reducing the need for manual labor and time-consuming traditional methods. Traditional Methods Previously, road inspections involved sending out teams of workers to manually inspect roads, identify defects, and take measurements. This process was labor-intensive, prone to human error, and often required multiple visits to complete. Drone Mapping and Inspection The council’s new drone program uses high-resolution cameras and sensors to capture aerial images and data of roads. This data is then processed to create detailed maps and identify any defects or damage. The drones can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, reducing the time required for inspections. Cost Savings By eliminating the need for manual inspections, the council has achieved significant cost savings. The drones can complete inspections in a fraction of the time it took using traditional methods, reducing labor costs. Additionally, the drones’ ability to identify defects more accurately can prevent costly repairs and maintenance in the future. Improved Efficiency and Safety The drone program has also improved the council’s efficiency in road maintenance. By using drones to quickly and accurately identify defects, the council can schedule repairs and maintenance more effectively. This reduces disruptions to traffic and improves overall road safety. Environmental Benefits The drone program has also had positive environmental impacts. By reducing the need for multiple visits to road sites, the council has minimized its carbon footprint. The drones are also operated remotely, eliminating the need for crews to travel to inspection sites. Conclusion The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s innovative use of drone mapping and inspection for roadworks has resulted in significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced road safety. The program highlights the potential of drones to revolutionize infrastructure management and reduce operating costs in the public sector.Carterton District Council Makes Cost-Effective Road Maintenance StridesCarterton District Council Makes Cost-Effective Road Maintenance Strides In an effort to optimize resource allocation, Carterton District Council (CDC) has implemented a novel approach to road maintenance. By temporarily closing roads instead of relying on the stop-and-go traffic management system, the council has achieved significant cost savings, estimated at up to $3,000 per day per job. The council spokesman highlighted the numerous benefits of this approach, including improved work quality, reduced project timelines, enhanced safety, and financial gains. Typically, road closures have resulted in a 40-50% increase in productivity. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has endorsed this strategy, emphasizing the government’s expectation for councils to prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness in local road maintenance. Brown believes targeted road closures can accelerate project completion while reducing costs. The CDC spokesman emphasized that road closures are not a universal solution. Stop-and-go traffic management will still be employed in certain situations. However, the council has successfully utilized this approach during recent repairs on Lincoln Road and Pembroke Street. Despite the potential for increased detours, the council has requested patience and cooperation from the community. The long-term benefits, including reduced costs and timely project completion, outweigh any short-term inconvenience. LDR, a local journalism outlet co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air, commends the Carterton District Council for its innovative approach to road maintenance. This strategy aligns with the government’s focus on value for money and efficient use of transport funding.Council Cuts Roadworks Costs A New Zealand council has implemented a new approach to roadworks that has resulted in significant savings. The city of Wellington has introduced a number of measures, including: * Using self-compacting concrete: This type of concrete does not require vibration, which reduces noise pollution and speeds up the construction process. * Improving traffic management: The council has worked with traffic engineers to develop new traffic management plans that minimize disruption to motorists. * Incentivizing contractors to finish on time: The council now offers bonuses to contractors who complete projects ahead of schedule. These measures have resulted in significant savings for the council. In one recent project, the council saved $3,000 per day by using self-compacting concrete. The council is now rolling out these measures across all of its roadworks projects. The council’s new approach to roadworks is a win-win for residents and the city. Residents benefit from reduced traffic disruptions and noise pollution, while the city saves money.