FOOTWAY RESEARCH IN THE UK

The author reviews some research on footways in the UK, with special reference to the work of the Footway Maintenance Working Group in the UK. Until recently, there was almost no research on footways in the UK. There is considerable scope for applying road pavement engineering concepts to footways, especially with respect to safety, environment, and value for money in infrastructure expenditure. To encourage good practice, the Working Party on Highway Research recently set up the Footway Maintenance Working Group, comprising representatives of several bodies including the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). The Group defines and supervises research which would improve the usability of urban and rural footways. Its initial task was to review current UK footway practice, and report on: (1) footway user needs; (2) causes of problems; (3) design and construction; (4) definition of warning and intervention criteria; (5) development of improved surfacing materials and repair techniques; (6) review of equipment to monitor surface condition; (7) application of whole-life concepts to design and maintenance; and (8) management methods. It has also formulated a programme for future research on footways. In 1993, the TRL reviewed the condition assessment of footways and will publish a maintenance guide in 1996.

  • Corporate Authors:

    TRL

    Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride
    Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom  RG40 3GA
  • Authors:
    • BURTWELL, M
  • Publication Date: 1996

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00729667
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Dec 26 1996 12:00AM