Development of Gis-Based Decision Support System for the Maintenance Management of Road Infrastructure

This study developed a user-friendly and simplified Spatial Decision Support System using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to provide essential information for road managers. This enables the application of appropriate treatments at the right time, based on the available budget. A Global Positioning System (GPS) device was used to collect coordinate data for designated routes within Akure metropolis. Twenty (20) different roads were selected for the study. Data such as road names, coordinates, distances, and infrastructure or facilities unique to each road were collected through reconnaissance surveys, GPS tools, administrative road maps of the city, and street guides clearly showing Akure’s road network. The data were processed using Microsoft Excel, and classifications of the selected roads were made for easy referencing. Database design and creation were carried out using GIS tools within the ArcGIS environment. Digitization of data, labeling of features, symbology, layout design, hyperlinking, and other spatial features were implemented using ArcGIS applications. Each road was linked to its characteristic information, allowing users to access and update information as needed. The result shows that 95% of the total selected roads lack traffic lights and pedestrian bridge facilities. Forty-five percent of the roads have street light facilities. 5% of the road has traffic light facilities. 75% have no bus shelters. Only 5% of the total selected roads have all the identified road facilities. It was concluded that some of the selected roads were not in good condition. While some road facilities were defective, other roads lacked the necessary road facilities that could aid traffic flow. However, the data and associated attributes of each road can be used to support administrative decisions regarding maintenance.