ASOR updated 220224
Argyll and Bute Council · 21 March 2024
Back to Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee — 21 March 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Bute • Helensburgh • Islay • Oban • Mull • Campbeltown • Iona • Dunoon • Tiree • Lochgilphead • Seil … . ANNUAL STATUS AND OPTIONS REPORT JANUARY 2024
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2 Contents Carriageways .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Road Length ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 1.2 Condition ................................................................................................................................................................. 3 1.3 Asset Valuation ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Investment ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.5 Maintenance Backlog .............................................................................................................................................. 5 1.6 Winter Maintenance ................................................................................................ 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Bookmark not defined. 1.7 Capital Resurfacing Investment Options ................................................................................................................. 5 1.8 Revenue Funded Preventative Maintenance Investment Options.......................................................................... 6 2.0 Footways ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Length ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.2 Condition ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 2.3 Asset Valuation ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 2.4 Investment ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 2.5 Public Liability Claims ........................................................................................................................................... 10 2.6 Investment Options ............................................................................................................................................... 11 3.0 Street lighting ............................................................................................................................................................ 12 3.1 Inventory................................................................................................................................................................ 12 3.2 Condition ............................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.3 Valuation ............................................................................................................................................................... 13 3.4 Investment ............................................................................................................................................................. 13 3.4 Investment (Cont). ................................................................................................................................................. 14 3.5 Energy Consumption ............................................................................................................................................. 14 3.6 Investment Options ............................................................................................................................................... 15 4.0 Structures .............................................................................................................................................................. 16 4.1 Assets .................................................................................................................................................................... 16 4.2 Condition ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 4.3 Asset Valuation ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 4.4 Investment ............................................................................................................................................................. 17 4.5 Maintenance backlog ............................................................................................................................................ 17 4.6 Flood Risk Management ....................................................................................................................................... 17 4.7 Match Funding Opportunities ................................................................................................................................ 18 4.8 Investment Options ............................................................................................................................................... 18 5.0 Traffic Signals ........................................................................................................................................................... 19 5.1 Inventory................................................................................................................................................................ 19 5.2 Valuation ............................................................................................................................................................... 20 5.3 Investment ............................................................................................................................................................. 20 5.4 Investment Options ............................................................................................................................................... 20 6.0 Street Furniture ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 6.1 Assets .................................................................................................................................................................... 22 6.2 Condition ............................................................................................................................................................... 22 6.3 Valuation ............................................................................................................................................................... 23 6.4 Investment ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
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3 6.5 Investment Options ............................................................................................................................................... 24 7. Road and Infrastructure Recent Projects ................................................................................................................ 26 8. Climate Adaptation …………………………………………………………………………………………25 Carriageways 1.1 Road Length ALL ROUTES (Kms) MAINLAND ISLAND Road Class Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total A 120.436 384.854 505.29 58.765 206.345 265.11 61.671 178.509 240.18 B 138.952 474.556 613.508 34.322 350.047 384.369 104.63 124.509 229.139 C 69.067 365.198 434.265 35.934 251.103 287.037 33.133 114.095 147.228 Unclassified 358.588 374.46 733.048 237.848 243.628 481.476 120.74 130.832 251.572 Totals (Km) 687.043 1599.068 2286.11 366.869 1051.123 1417.99 320.174 547.945 868.12 1.2 Condition Road condition is measured by the Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey (SRMCS) which assesses parameters such as surface texture and cracking, smoothness and rutting. This provides an indication of the residual life of the road structure. The table opposite analyses the various conditions of road category for an overall network figure. This is based on a factored calculated figure produced by SCOTS which is a percentage of our roads and not specific lengths. It should be noted that the external Road Condition Index (RCI) report did not survey our full area with most of our Islands missed, we have therefore used last year’s figures as the most up to date RCI score. We have been advised that the external provider will endeavour to get the rest of the network surveyed as soon as possible, the ASOR will be update when this data is received via a covering report. 1.3 Asset Valuation
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4 Carriageways Valuation (These values include the regional and inflation factors for the current year) Road Classification Gross Replacement Cost Depreciated Replacement Cost Annualised Depreciation Cost Principal (A) Roads (Urban) £243,477,338 £217,077,320 £2,417,584 Principal (A) Roads (Rural) £528,709,818 £492,266,921 £3,087,858 Classified (B) Roads (Urban) £231,543,236 £206,547,686 £2,302,252 Classified (B) Roads (Rural) £382,314,340 £350,208,437 £2,485,939 Classified (C) Roads (Urban) £91,122,828 £79,238,946 £1,021,479 Classified (C) Roads (Rural) £245,600,490 £219,604,424 £1,971,191 Unclassified Roads (Urban) £421,683,747 £353,474,058 £5,884,204 Unclassified Roads (Rural) £200,882,470 £175,900,806 £1,772,881 Total £2,345,334,267 £2,094,318,597 £20,943,387 1.4 Investment The capital reconstruction programme in 2022-23 delivered £7.5m of investment on a range of surfacing projects aimed at improving network condition across Argyll. The table details the surfacing quantities and value within each activity. The percentage split across activities shows the bulk of investment (77%) is attributed to Surface Dressing (SD) and thin surfacing works to maximise network coverage. The aim being to seal and extend surface life with a SD treatment and tackle as much deteriorated surface as possible with thin surfacing works so as to help reduce demand for reactive treatment works. Argyll and Bute Council, applies annually for Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) funding from the Scottish Government. Since 2005, the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) has financed projects that facilitate the sustainable transport of timber in rural areas of Scotland and deliver benefits for local communities and the environment through innovative projects and partnerships. The fund typically contributes 50-70% of the costs of successful applications, with the remainder coming from Local Authorities and/or forestry sector partners. The Overall level of funding for 2024-25 is expected to be confirmed at the February Council Budget meeting. Surface Treatment Length (m) Cost (£) Percentage Surface Dressing 82389 £2,263,946 % Thin/Micro Surfacing (up to 25mm) 1191 £108,125 1%
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5 1.5 Maintenance Backlog The SCOTS Headline Maintenance Backlog figure is calculated every two years using road condition data collected via the Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey (SRMCS). The calculation uses surveyed condition data with a surfacing treatment matrix and national average unit rates to determine the extent of surfacing maintenance required to bring whole network surface to an ‘A1’ condition with no defects. The value of backlog maintenance for Argyll and Bute’s Road Network is £122.5M. The backlog maintenance figure is calculated by WDM on behalf of SCOTS using a modelling tool that applies various surfacing treatments to the whole network based on RCI condition and national average unit rates for treatments. This produces the Headline Maintenance Backlog (£122.5M) The table and graph below predict future RCI values based on four different investment options. The £8M represents a steady state/slight improvement to the network. This model has effectively been confirmed by the investment in the road network over recent years and the slight but steady improvement in road condition (RCI). The investment values will likely be increased in future modelling to reflect the inflationary increases. However, for the purpose of the modelling over a 20 year period, these figures provide a good indication of likely future condition. However, it should be noted that this modelling does not take into account spikes in investment following significant weather events e.g. the October 2023 weather event. 1.6 Capital Resurfacing Investment Options The SCOTS cost projection modelling tool enables an indicative illustration of predicted road surface condition in terms of RCI to be developed for a range of investment options over a 20yr term. This allows comparisons between various levels of investment. Options 1-4 are illustrated in the table and chart below for £3m, £5m, £8m and £11m respectively. Condition projection based on investment Thin Overlay (>25mm to 60mm) 39010 £2,244,509 29.7% Moderate Overlay (>60mm to 100mm) 866 £94,181 1% Structural Overlay (>100mm) 1130 £146,570 2% Thin Inlay (>25mm to 60mm) 9079 £1,250,779 17% Moderate Inlay (>60mm to 100mm) 3658 £565,766 8% Structural Inlay (>100mm) 1019 £227,842 3% Planned Patching NA £24,366 0.3% Reconstruction (250mm+) 3707 £599,584 8% Total £7,525,669
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6 Option 1 - £3m annual investment shows substantial deterioration of network RCI Option 2 - £5m annual investment shows slower deterioration of network RCI Option 3 - £8m annual investment shows steady or slow improvement of network RCI (steady state) Option 4 £11m annual investment shows greatest improvement rate of network RCI 1.7 Winter Maintenance Table below identifies the last 8 years of road and winter maintenance revenue budget Predicted future RCI values based on the four investment options (i.e. lower % = better condition) Year Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 0 49.80% 49.80% 49.80% 49.80% 1 50.10% 49.20% 47.01% 45.75% 2 50.84% 49.38% 47.07% 44.63% 3 52.61% 50.49% 47.12% 43.56% 4 54.27% 51.53% 47.16% 42.57% 5 55.83% 52.51% 47.20% 41.63% 6 57.30% 53.43% 47.23% 40.75% 7 58.67% 54.29% 47.26% 39.93% 8 59.97% 55.10% 47.29% 39.16% 9 61.19% 55.86% 47.31% 38.43% 10 62.33% 56.58% 47.33% 37.74% 11 63.41% 57.25% 47.35% 37.09% 12 64.42% 57.88% 47.36% 36.47% 13 65.37% 58.48% 47.37% 35.89% 14 66.27% 59.04% 47.38% 35.34% 15 67.11% 59.57% 47.39% 34.82% 16 67.90% 60.06% 47.39% 34.34% 17 68.64% 60.53% 47.40% 33.88% 18 69.35% 60.97% 47.40% 33.44% 19 70.01% 61.38% 47.40% 33.03% 20 70.63% 61.77% 47.40% 32.65% Budgets Roads Winter Total Winter % 2015-16 £3,957,298 £1,644,490 £5,601,788 29.36% 2016-17 £3,972,055 £1,836,286 £5,808,341 31.61% 2017-18 £3,832,056 £1,636,828 £5,468,884 29.93%
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7 Table below shows outturn actual revenue spend on Roads and winter maintenance for the last 8 years. The proportion of spend on winter within the total revenue outturn shows a fluctuation due to unplanned weather events Spend Roads Winter Total Winter % 2015-16 £4,173,702 £1,832,248 £6,005,950 30.51% 2016-17 £4,243,332 £1,885,851 £6,129,183 30.77% 2017-18 £3,926,258 £2,669,341 £6,595,599 40.47% 2018-19 £3,765,604 £1,791,150 £5,556,754 32.23% 2019-20 £3,485,315 £2,165,845 £5,651,160 38.33% 2020-21 £ 3,360,100 £ 2,251,432 £ 5,611,532 40.12% 2021-22 £3,516,984 £2,355,154 £5,872,138 40.10% 2022-23 £3,746,846 £2,661,350 £6,408,196 41.54% 1.8 Revenue Funded Preventative Maintenance Investment Options The value of undertaking adequate preventative maintenance works cannot be overstated. It is the most vital and fundamental function required to extend infrastructure service life, strengthen network resilience, and minimise demand for capital investment. Below are a number of initial revenue budget investment options for consideration. These will all require further investigation, research, and development to progress more detailed information on which option is best suited to support council objectives within the confines of available resources. 2018-19 £3,832,056 £1,621,674 £5,453,730 29.74% 2019-20 £3,411,055 £2,122,154 £5,533,209 38.35% 2020-21 £3,506,058 £2,122,618 £5,628,676 37.71% 2021-22 £ 3,422,540 £ 2,119,974 £5,542,514 38.25% 2022-23 £3,542,940 £2,108,942 £5,651,882 37.31% Winter Treatment Information Ten Year Average Total number of planned treatment runs ( equiv Full Fleet) 66 Runs Total aggregate annual treatment mileage travelled by all gritting vehicles on all planned routes 105,902 Miles Total tonnage of salt used on carriageways 12,535 Tonnes Total Winter actual spend carriageways £2,158,905 Spend
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8 ` 2.0 Footways 2.1 Length Footways/Footpaths Cycleways Quantities by Hierarchy Footway Hierarchy Length (m) Area (sqm) Higher Amenity Footways 41,977 117,536 Other Footways 470,174 1,001,471 Total 512,151 1,119,006 All Footpaths 9,349 11,219 Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Less maintenance works afforded Doesn`t support corporate objectives Increased asset deterioration Difficult to demonstrate value Greater demand for expensive reactive works Future demand for capital investment far greater than initial savings realised May compromise current internal service delivery Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Maintains existing budget No council budget saving Supports some corporate goals Retains internal service delivery Requires change in approach Training to focus efforts on prioitised business needs Need more focus on planned works Needs commitment to deliver Some investment in better mobile technology Need better data capture and analysis Development of appropriate service standards Better value works can be afforded Additional resources needed to implement any changes Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Better control of costs No Council budget savings Supports council objectives Delivers better value maintenance services Potential increased budget required Implementing SCOTS Asset Management recommended practices Requires significant cahnges Investment in better mobile technology More informed decision making Needs commitment to deliver Staff training & Additional resources to implement Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Vital maintenance activities delivered Compliance with capital investment rules Supports council objectives Ability to demostrate value May impact capital investment on other assets Implementing SCOTS Asset Management recommended practices Improved asset management Investment in better mobile technology Staff training & Additional resources to implement OPTION 1 Increased pressure on council budgets and the need to realise savings may reduce current investment levels for preventative maintenance activities. This needs careful consideration and will impact the quantity of works afforded necessary to provide adequate protection to vital road assets. It will increase demand for more expensive reactive works which is the vicious cycle essential maintenance activities are currently experiencing. It will increase future demand for capital investment far greater than initial savings realised. Delivers short term budget savings OPTION 2 Maintain existing investment levels and consider prioritising activity funding using a risk based approach. Prioritised activities should be delivered through a planned programme of works to maximise value for money through appropriate service standards. Combined with improved recording of maintenance works asset information can be enhanced to assist driving an improved asset management approach that can break the current vicious cycle of reactive maintenance demands. OPTION 3 Maintain or increase investment levels through a zero based budget approach. This would essentially allocate a percentage budget for reactive maintenance with the balance of funding allocated through planned schedules and programmes of works to effectively justify and approve funding allocation against a measured works quantity to meet appropriate service standards. This would refocus effort on delivering measured work packages whilst improving capture of asset information to assist delivery of the benefits from implementing recognised asset management practices. OPTION 4 Consider funding some maintenance activities using a capital funding allocation. Preventative maintenance is a critical activity some of which can be easily quantified (Ditching, Gully cleaning, Patching etc.). Delivering planned measurable works would greatly enhance ability to demonstarte value and prudent stewardship of assets.
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9 Total 9,349 11,219 Cycle Lanes 0 0 2.2 Condition Asset condition surveys for our Footways are not currently undertaken due to limited resources and cost implications. 2.3 Asset Valuation Table 2.3 Footway Valuation by Hierarchy `Footway Hierarchy Gross Replacement Cost Depreciated Replacement Cost Annualised Depreciation Cost Higher Amenity Footways £11,057,091 £9,386,342 £71,308 Other Footways £94,796,737 £73,596,142 £934,977 Total £105,853,828 £82,982,484 £1,006,285 2.4 Investment Footways investment of £1m over previous 3 years has tackled some of the worst identified sections of the network aimed at reducing reactive maintenance demands. The planned capital investment for 2021/22 was £900k and a further £500k for 2022/23 Table 2.4a details the extent of capital works undertaken 2019-20. 2.4a Footways Treatment Length (m) Cost (£) Surface Treatment 802 £20,641.74 Resurfaced 1,913 £139,205.57 Reconstruction 471 £74,045.90 Totals 3,186 £233,893.21
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10 2.5 Public Liability Claims
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11 2.6 Investment Options Below are a number of initial revenue budget investment options for consideration. These will all require further investigation, research, and development to progress more detailed information on which option is best suited to support council objectives within the confines of available resources. Investment options should be inked to the long- term maintenance strategy for the asset..
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12 3.0 Street lighting 3.1 Inventory Street Lighting Quantities Other Street Lighting Assets Column Material Quantity Other Street Lighting Assets Quantity Non Galvanised Steel 2,209 Wall Bracket 1,196 Galvanised Steel 9,196 Wooden Pole 110 Concrete 29 High Mast Column 0 Aluminium (pre 2000) 1,119 Control Cabinet 751 Aluminium (post 2000) 0 Other 0 Stainless Steel 8 Total 2,057 Cast Iron 0 Cable Assets (Estimated) Quantity (m) Total 12,561 Cable under Carriageway (10%) 43,050 Luminaires Quantity Cable under Footway (50%) 215,250 All 13,896 Cable under Verge (40%) 172,200 Total 13,896 Total 430,500 Illuminated Sign Assets Illuminated Signs Quantity Signs 433 Bollards 46 Total 479 3.2 Condition The condition of street lighting columns was assessed as part of the LED Luminaire replacement programme using a four level condition rating as shown in the table below. Street Lighting Columns Condition Rating % Total Asset 1- V. Good 4708 33.95% 2 - Good 8869 63.96% 3 - Fair 174 1.25% 4 - Poor 116 0.84% Total 13867
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13 3.3 Valuation Street Lighting Valuation Column Assets Gross Replacement Cost Depreciated Replacement Cost Annualised Depreciation Cost Non Galvanised Steel £3,979,085 £394,493 £159,163 Galvanised Steel £16,599,396 £6,668,805 £553,313 Concrete £28,748 £958 £958 Aluminium (pre 2000) £1,147,178 £60,664 £28,679 Aluminium (post 2000) £0 £0 £0 Stainless Steel £7,919 £7,240 £113 Cast Iron £0 £0 £0 Cable Assets Cable under Carriageway £3,694,864 £2,003,337 £61,581 Cable under Footway £16,514,690 £8,955,182 £275,245 Cable under Verge £11,197,303 £6,071,123 £186,622 Other Street Lighting Assets Wall Bracket £622,116 £519,553 £15,553 Wooden Pole £108,882 £23,954 £2,178 High Mast Column £0 £0 £0 Control Cabinet £218,473 £100,602 £4,369 Total £54,118,652 £24,805,911 £1,287,775 Luminaires Assets Total £2,862,063 £2,121,491 £143,103 Illuminated Signs Assets Signs £249,879 £122,527 £9,995 Bollards £17,908 £8,892 £716 Total £267,787 £131,419 £10,711 All Assets Total £57,248,502 £27,058,821 £1,441,590 3.4 Investment Funding Current Year Anticipated Investment (£m) Funding source 2023-24 (£m) 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 Block Allocation Scottish Government £150k £150k TBC TBC Block Allocation Carried Forward Scottish Government Nil Additional Council Allocation Council £740k Prudential Borrowing Council £674k (Not New Legacy – Over)
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14 3.4 Investment (Cont). The replacement of deteriorated assets that have reached the end or beyond their expected service life is currently not part of a longer term maintenance strategy or plan. For many years the need to deliver investment savings has over ridden the need for asset renewals. This reduced funding has delayed asset renewal projects creating an even older and more fragile asset base leading to a growing backlog of outages and reactive maintenance demands on very limited resources. The LED project highlighted the condition of assets and the growing need for action to develop a longer term maintenance strategy for investment in asset renewals. Table 3.4 provides and indicative treatment cycle based on current average expected asset renewal and clearly illustrates the present investment strategy is unsustainable. Table 3.4 Street lighting Column and Cable Treatment Cycle Treatment Expected Service Life (Yrs) Annual Quantity (Ave) Inventory (No.) Treatment Cycle (Years) Column Replacement 30 25 No. 13047 522 Cable replacement 60 750 Lin m. 430,500 (Lin.m) 574 Luminaire (LED) 20 N/A 14640 All new assets 3.5 Energy Consumption Table 3.5 Annual Energy Consumption Year Total Unit 2015/16 6325655.3 kWh 2016/17 6119183.7 kWh 2017/18 4288415.2 kWh 2018/19 3267835.1 kWh 2019/20 3232557.7 kWh 2020/21 3228999 kWh 2021/22 3224175 kWh 2022/23 3224175 kWh Year Carbon Total Units 2015/16 3140 tonnes CO2 2016/17 2733 tonnes CO2 2017/18 1636 tonnes CO2 2018/19 996 tonnes CO2 2019/20 889 tonnes CO2 2020/21 810 tonnes Co2 2021/22 738 Tonnes Co2 2022/23 673 Tonnes Co2
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15 3.6 Investment Options Below are a number of initial revenue budget investment options for consideration. These will all require further investigation, research, and development to progress more detailed information on which option is best suited to support council objectives within the confines of available resources. Investment options should be linked to development of a long-term maintenance strategy for the asset. Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Continues service delivery for defects Continued long tern asset deterioration Adopting risk based approach to managing the asset Growing demands for capital investment Resource condition survey of asset to gain information on asset inventory, condition Etc. Rising number of public liability claims Development of long term maintenance strategy for the asset group Reactive maintenance is expensive and poor value Resource development of a prioritised list of planned works Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Investment tackles worst asset deterioration limited asset information and condition data Implementing SCOTS asset management recommended practices Planned works deliver better value resources required to identify and quantify works Current use, Is it needed? Can it be removed? Reduced demand for reactive works Level of works limited within available revenue budget allocation Resource development of a prioritised list of planned works Less complaints Development of long term maintenance strategy for asset group Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Investment tackles deterioration and gradually improves whole asset limited asset information and condition data Development of long term maintenance strategy for asset group Demonstrates prudent stewardship of assets resources required to identify scope of works Investment in mobile technology to capture asset data Supports corporate objectives Requires increased levels investment Implementing SCOTS asset management recommended practices Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Whole asset approach to maintenance requires substantial capital investment Use of SCOTS asset management tools Requires significant improvement in asset data Investment in mobile technology Deveolpment of appropriate maintenace strategy Option 1 Undertake maintenance on a reactive basis to repair defects within existing revenue budget allocation. Option 2 Increased investment in planned revenue maintenance activities Option 3 Develop a business case for investment through capital budget for replacement of obsolete, damaged and deteriorated assets particularly vehicle safety barriers. Align the business case to a suitable long term maintenance strategy for the asset group. Option 4 Business case development for capital investment in conjunction with other asset groups that aligns with the Road Asset management Plan (RAMP) and council priorities.
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16 4.0 Structures 4.1 Assets Table 4.1 : Structures Inventory Quantity Road Bridges 890 Footbridges 11 Unusual Structures 2 Retaining Walls 1888 Height, Sign and Signal Gantry 0 Culverts 294 Subways 0 Total 3085 4.2 Condition Our bridges and structures are inspected and assessed to comply with the “Well-managed highway infrastructure” Code of Practice. Data gathered from bridge inspections is used to calculate a Bridge Stock Condition Indicator value which can enable analysis and trending of condition information. The condition results since 2012/13 are illustrated in the chart below which shows a steady decline in overall bridge stock condition from a reduction in capital investment with revenue investment being prioritised towards reactive repairs. The long term trend line in blue shows a continued deterioration of assets with condition of less critical structures expected to decline further without increased levels of investment. There are currently 53 structures subject to special monitoring precautions and 28 bridges that have failed the European standard assessment (prior to restrictions). 15 bridges are currently subject to acceptable weight restrictions. Bridges are subject to regular inspections with principal inspections every 6 years and general inspections every 2 years. 4.3 Asset Valuation Table 5.5 Structures Valuation Summary Structure Type Gross Replacement Cost Depreciated Replacement Cost Annualised Depreciation Cost Road Bridges £115,251,542 £108,769,286 £1,268,947 Footbridges £2,934,648 £2,924,575 £2,117 Unusual Structures £2,286,856 £1,876,450 £18,390 Retaining Walls £166,492,505 £166,442,331 £20,470 Height, Sign and Signal Gantries £0 £0 £0 Culverts £3,533,754 £3,528,339 £294 Subways £0 £0 £0 TOTALS £290,499,306 £283,540,981 £1,310,218
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17 4.4 Investment PLANNED INVESTMENT 2022- 23 2023- 24 2024- 25 2025- 26 Comments CAPITAL Bridge Strengthening/Replacement Programme £350k £350k £350k Bridge & Retaining Wall: • Strengthening • Replacement Previous Years BSRP Slippage £999k Local Bridge Maintenance Fund – Grant Funding Secured * £244k £4,972k Coastal Protection £100k £100k Coastal Protection Strengthening repairs Ardbeg Seawall / Bute Sea Wall Repairs £67k £683k Repairs of asset following December 2021 storm damage Coastal Change Adaptation £1k £159k Secured funding for Coastal Change Adaptation REVENUE Structural Maintenance £231k £231k £231k £231k Bridges & Retaining Walls: • Maintenance & Repair, • Inspection, • Asset Management • Abnormal Load Monitoring, • Technical Approval Budget confirmed Annually Structural Assessment £64k £64k £64k £64k Assessment of Bridges & Retaining Walls. Budget confirmed Annually Coastal Protection £180k £180k £180k £180k Inspections, Maintenance & Repairs, Asset Management Budget confirmed Annually • Note contract price increases due to a number of factors, which are reported elsewhere to March EDI Committee, mean that there is a significant shortfall with the available Scottish Government Local Bridge Maintenance Fund. 4.5 Maintenance backlog Headline Backlog Figure Steady State Figure Source £29.2m N/A Argyll and Bute Council Asset Management Reporting 4.6 Flood Risk Management Argyll and Bute Council has a statutory duty under the Flood Risk Management Act (Scotland) 2009 to reduce the overall flood risk through Local Flood Risk Management Plans subject to funding availability. This includes Flood Incident Investigation, Waterbody Assessments, Provision of Flood Consultancy (General Flood Advice), Clearance and Repair Works, Mapping, Flood Risk Assessments, Flood Studies, Flood Monitoring Network, Production and Update of Local Flood Risk Management Plans. These works are undertaken in conjunction with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other responsible authorities as defined under the Act. The current budget allocation for flood risk management are:
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18 PLANNED INVESTMENT 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 Comments FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT CAPITAL Flood Protection £12k £838k £305k £155k • Tigh Dearg • Rothesay FPS Performance Helensburgh Flood Mitigation £1k £431k Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme £4.114m £9.729m £0.029m £0.33m Design & Construction of Flood Protection Scheme. 80% of costs at contract award funded by Scottish Government. All other costs funded by ABC. REVENUE Flood Management £222k £222k £222k £222k • Flood Incident Investigation • Waterbody Assessments • Provision Of Flood Consultancy (General Flood Advice) • Clearance and Repair Works • Mapping • Flood Risk Assessments • Flood Studies • Flood Monitoring Network • Production and Update of Local Flood Risk Management Plans Budget confirmed Annually Flooding Direct Costs £100k £100k £100k £100k Works by ABC Operational Services Budget confirmed Annually 4.7 Match Funding Opportunities The Scottish Government currently offers 80% funding opportunity for local authorities towards development of necessary flood protection schemes. The actions defined in section 4.6 ensure the Council meets the Scottish Government’s defined process to enable capture of any potential funding for Argyll. 4.8 Investment Options Below are a number of initial revenue budget investment options for consideration. These will all require further investigation, research and development to progress more detailed information on which option is best suited to support council objectives within the confines of available resources. Investment options be linked to development of a long term maintenance strategy for the asset.
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19 5.0 Traffic Signals 5.1 Inventory Traffic Signal Types Quantity Other Traffic Management System Types Quantity Traffic Signal (Junction) Information Systems 2 Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Continues service delivery for defects Continued Asset deterioration Development of a long term maintenance strategy Increased risk of more weight restrictions or road closures Strengthen the business case for investment Impacts Economy and vital transport links Explore funding opportunities Etc. (Flood prevention Etc) Reactive maintenance is expensive and poor value Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Continues service delivery for defects Asset deterioration remains greater than investment Development of a long term maintenance strategy Tackles some preventative maintenance backlog Impacts Economy and vital transport links Strengthen the business case for investment Contributes to lowering risk of more weight restrictions or road closures Reactive maintenance is expensive and poor value Explore funding opportunities Etc. (Flood prevention Etc) Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Contributes to development of more sustainable asset management regime Requires investment Development of a long term maintenance strategy Planned preventative maintenance programme of works Requires resource to develop business case Strengthen the business case for investment More sustainable asset condition Explore funding opportunities Etc. (Flood prevention Etc) Supports corporate objectives Resources to undertake increased workload Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Sustaniable asset management regime Requires substantial level of investment Development of a long term maintenance strategy Improves asset condition Requires resource to develop successful business case Resources to undertake/ manage increased workload and projet design and development. Reduced weight restrictions May require additional data capture to support business case development Explore funding opportunities Etc. (Flood prevention Etc) Supports corporate objectives Option 1 Undertake maintenance only on a reactive basis to repair defects within existing revenue budget allocation Option 2 Increased investment in revenue planned maintenance activities Option 3 Develop business case for investment through capital budget for strengthening and refurbishment of structures. Development and implementation of an appropriate long term maintenance strategy for the asset group. Continued improvement in asset management. Option 4 Development of a successful business case for investment to tackle deterioration and improve overall asset condition as part of a developed asset management process.
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20 Minor Junction 0 Safety Cameras 0 Medium Junction 11 Variable Message Signs 2 Major Junction 0 Vehicle Activated Signs 18 Complex Junction 0 Real Time Passenger Information 0 Traffic Signal (Pedestrian Crossing) Single Carriageway 14 Double Carriageway 0 Total 25 Total 22 5.2 Valuation Traffic Signal Types Quantity Gross Replacement Cost Depreciated Replacement Cost Annualised Depreciation Cost Junctions 11 £571,923.00 £335,788.13 £23,830.13 Pedestrian Crossings 14 £323,512.00 £142,547.48 £14,153.65 Total 25 £895,435.00 £478,335.60 £37,983.78 5.3 Investment Traffic management systems require specialist contractors to undertake regular inspection and necessary maintenance. Increasing reactive maintenance costs are being incurred as some assets are functioning beyond their expected service lives and when problems arise replacement of obsolete parts is difficult to procure. Many traffic management assets have had essential works postponed over time due to budget restrictions. Although it is the smallest asset group, delays in asset renewal particularly electronic hardware can lead to parts becoming obsolete as advances in technology become available. A recent survey has highlighted the need for some urgent repairs to bring systems up to date. Historically junctions and pedestrian crossing have been replaced ad hoc in response to system failures or inability to obtain replacement components. Generally this equates to approx. one junction or crossing per year. The table below provides an indicative illustration of the asset renewal cycle. Planned Investment Budgets 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 Capital £-Nil £-Nil £-Nil Revenue £45k £45k £45k Total Budget £45k £45k £45k 5.4 Investment Options Below are a number of initial revenue budget investment options for consideration. These will all require further investigation, research and development to progress more detailed information on which option is best suited to support council objectives within the confines of available resources. Investment options should be linked to development of a long term maintenance strategy for the asset.
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21 Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Maintains existing service Specialised works undertaken by external contractors Revised tender for routine inspection and maintenance Deteriorated asset base drives increasing reactive maintenance costs Requires additional resource to develop appropriate business case. Requires occaissional capital investment to replace obsolete /defective equipment. Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Improved asset relaiability Requires investment Resource and staff training to improve asset knowledge Reduced maintenance costs Requires resource to develop suitable business case for investment using capital budget Development of a suitable maintenance strategy for asset Requires rescoure to procure tenders and administer/supervise potential contract works Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Modernises asset to meet current standards Requires investment Resource to manage and supervise works Improves reliability Requires resource to develop suitable business case for investment using capital budget resource required to procure tender documentation and administration of same reduces reactive maintenance costs Use SCOTS Asset management tools Improves user experience Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Modernises asset to meet current standards Requires investment Resource to manage and supervise works Improves reliability Requires resource to develop suitable business case for investment using capital budget Resource required to procure tender documentation and administration of same reduces reactive maintenance costs Use SCOTS Asset management tools Improves user experience Assess need for individual assets. Can they be removed? Are alternative control measures available? Option 1 Continue to fund Traffic Signals within existing annual allocation of £45k revenue budget Option 2 Utilise latest condition survey data to develop an appropriate business case for investment in renewal of apparatus Option 3 Produce a business case based on latest survey data to upgrade all apparatus to meet compliance with current standards over a three to five year period Option 4 Utilise latest condition survey data to identify asset needs. Address any priority repairs and progress a maintenance strategy as part of the RAMP to develop a long term investment plan over next three - five years to bring asset condition to meet compliance with current standards.
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22 6.0 Street Furniture 6.1 Assets Table 6.1 Street Furniture Quantities Street Furniture Assets Quantity of Assets Unit Traffic Signs (non-illuminated) 5,013 Number Safety Fences 61,629 Length (m) Road Blockers 0 Number Hostile Vehicle Barriers 0 Length (m) Pedestrian Barriers 197 Length (m) Street Name Plates Currently no data in system Number Bins Currently no data in system Number Bollards 276 Number Bus Shelters 315 Number Grit Bins 584 Number Cattle Grids 162 Number Gates Currently no data in system Number Trees Currently no data in system Number Seating Currently no data in system Number Verge Marker Posts 2,322 Number On-Street Parking Meter 92 Number Electric Car Charging Points 30 Number Milestones Currently no data in system Number Information Boards Currently no data in system Number Bike Parking Lockers 0 Number Bike Parking Stands Currently no data in system Number Automatic Trash Screens 0 Number Watercourse Telemetry Currently no data in system Number Weather Stations 14 Number 6.2 Condition Asset condition surveys are not currently undertaken due to limited resources and cost implications. The condition of vehicle safety barriers has been reported previously and requires substantial investment to address. Initial local officer estimates indicate £2.5m investment needed which requires resource to develop an appropriate business case. It should be noted that vehicle barriers are a specialist work requiring appropriate national certification and staff training to enable progress. There is currently no staff resource with required certification so design works will need external consultants to survey and quantify full extent of works. 6.3 Electric Vehicle Charging There is growing demand for the installation of electric vehicle charging points across Argyll. A number of units have already been installed since 2017 as detailed in tables below. Future installations are also shown based on current funding until 2021. Consideration is required on the ongoing management and future maintenance and inspection of these assets. This will require resource and budget allocation moving forward together with an associated maintenance strategy for an asset that is likely to see accelerated growth over future years.
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23 6.4 Valuation Street Furniture Valuation Street Furniture Assets Gross Replacement Cost Depreciated Replacement Cost Annualised Depreciation Cost Traffic Signs (non-illuminated) £158,244.37 £79,126.92 £7,912.22 Safety Fences £4,668,248.84 £2,334,158.51 £233,412.44 Road Blockers £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Hostile Vehicle Barriers £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Pedestrian Barriers £14,922.28 £7,338.43 £596.89 Street Name Plates £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Bins £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Bollards £17,424.87 £8,557.13 £696.99 Bus Shelters £3,861,156.16 £1,933,642.49 £193,057.81 Grit Bins £73,730.33 £38,119.25 £4,915.36 Cattle Grids £818,124.21 £401,385.88 £32,724.97 Gates £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Trees £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Seating £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Verge Marker Posts £58,620.03 £30,289.54 £3,908.00 On-Street Parking Meter £382,668.48 £191,750.18 £19,133.42 Electric Car Charging Points £668,491.33 £367,670.23 £66,849.13 Milestones £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Information Boards £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Bike Parking Lockers £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Bike Parking Stands £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Automatic Trash Screens £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Watercourse Telemetry £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Weather Stations £249,913.02 £128,526.70 £12,495.65 Total £10,971,543.91 £5,520,565.25 £575,702.89 6.5 Investment The street furniture asset consists of many different individual assets all of which deteriorate at different rates. Generally, assets deteriorate to the point where they stop performing their intended function and are replaced with new items in line with available funding. Table 6.4 below provides an indication of the renewal cycle for some street Asset Inventory Type No. Rapid 11 Fast 10 Unknown 7 Planned Future Installation Year Type of Unit Fast Rapid 2019-20 2 2 2020-21 1 1 2021-22 1 1 2022-23 2023-24 Electric Vehicle Charging points Year Units 2017 4 2018 3 2019 8 2020 1 2021 2022 2023
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24 furniture assets based on previous year budget allocation and estimated asset renewal rates to calculate an indicative renewal cycle based on current funding allocation. Table 6.4 Indicative Treatment Cycle for Asset Renewals Item Budget Allocation 2023-20 Current Inventory Data Annual Replacement Quantity Indicative Renewal cycle Cattle Grid £24,000 162 1.6 101 Traffic Signs £52,000 5010 173 29 Vehicle Safety Fence £100,000 616289 653 94 6.6 Investment Options Below are a number of initial revenue budget investment options for consideration. These will all require further investigation, research, and development to progress more detailed information on which option is best suited to support council objectives within the confines of available resources. Investment options should be linked to development of a long-term maintenance strategy for the asset.
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25 Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Continues service delivery for defects Continued long tern asset deterioration Adopting risk based approach to managing the asset Growing demands for capital investment Resource condition survey of asset to gain information on asset inventory, condition Etc. Rising number of public liability claims Development of long term maintenance strategy for the asset group Reactive maintenance is expensive and poor value Resource development of a prioritised list of planned works Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Investment tackles worst asset deterioration limited asset information and condition data Implementing SCOTS asset management recommended practices Planned works deliver better value resources required to identify and quantify works Current use, Is it needed? Can it be removed? Reduced demand for reactive works Level of works limited within available revenue budget allocation Resource development of a prioritised list of planned works Less complaints Development of long term maintenance strategy for asset group Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Investment tackles deterioration and gradually improves whole asset limited asset information and condition data Development of long term maintenance strategy for asset group Demonstrates prudent stewardship of assets resources required to identify scope of works Investment in mobile technology to capture asset data Supports corporate objectives Requires increased levels investment Implementing SCOTS asset management recommended practices Benefits Drawbacks Considerations Whole asset approach to maintenance requires substantial capital investment Use of SCOTS asset management tools Requires significant improvement in asset data Investment in mobile technology Deveolpment of appropriate maintenace strategy Option 1 Undertake maintenance on a reactive basis to repair defects within existing revenue budget allocation. Option 2 Increased investment in planned revenue maintenance activities Option 3 Develop a business case for investment through capital budget for replacement of obsolete, damaged and deteriorated assets particularly vehicle safety barriers. Align the business case to a suitable long term maintenance strategy for the asset group. Option 4 Business case development for capital investment in conjunction with other asset groups that aligns with the Road Asset management Plan (RAMP) and council priorities.
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26 7. Road and Infrastructure Recent Projects Photographs below showing some of the works projects undertaken by Roads and Infrastructure teams illustrating the diverse scope of works particularly during increased demands clearing and rectifying network damage following recent storm events. Kilmelford Bridge Landslip ArdfernLandslip Ardfern Lochgilphead Town Centre
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27 8.0 Climate Adaptation We are seeing an increasing number of weather events locally, nationally and internationally no doubt linked to climate change which compromise the transport network. The most recent event was experienced in October 2023 and over recent years in Argyll and Bute we have had several weather events including: • West of Mull bridge wash out At the foot of Ben More July 2012; • Clachan snow event March 2013 – significant snow fall blocked the road and the weight of frozen snow on power lines resulted in power lines breaking and several thousand households being without power; • Beast from the east February 2018; • Sea wall wash out Bute December 2021; • Numerous flood events in locations such as Lochavullin Oban, East and West Clyde Street Helensburgh, Rothesay, Campbeltown (flood prevention works underway) Lochgilphead Front Green etc. • October 2023 – severe heavy rainfall resulted in transport connections into and out of Argyll and Bute were severely compromised on Saturday 7 October and for a period of time, all of the trunk roads and many of the local roads were impassable. Numerous people became stranded due to flood waters, landslips and damaged structures. Mountain rescue were deployed along with the coastguard who arranged ground units and a helicopter to support the response to assist Police Scotland who were coordinating the responses in line with protocol for major incident response. Adaptations have been carried out including reinforcement to bridge abutments, reinforcement and rebuilding of embankments, provision of temporary roads to avoid unstable slopes with a long term proposal to divert the road near Ardfern on a permanent basis. Furthermore, adaptation is being incorporated into various other works including sea defence, flood prevention works etc. The following images provide a snapshot of some of the damage caused during the October 2023 event. The photo to the left shows the Ardfern landslip on the A816 – c.15000 tonnes of material blocked the road. The image to the right shows the extent of the Ardfern slip in green (at least 3 separate slip events took place) the purple shading is the ditch/pit which would catch any future flow, the blue line is a bund to keep the majority of any future flow in the ditch and the red is the proposed emergency road which takes traffic away from the slip affected area and provides a safe alternative route during future weather events.
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28 There is significant additional content and photographs available to Elected Members from the various presentations given immediately following the October 2023 weather event. Environmental science provides the evidence that climate change is resulting in changing weather patterns. These weather patterns and also rising sea levels mean that increasingly we are having to adapt infrastructure to accommodate the demands of climate change. Such adaptation comes with significant cost and future investment to our infrastructure is likely to see an increasing percentage of funding directed towards climate adaptation.