This paper gives details of the results of research on maintenance manageme
nt practices and expenditures on road infrastructure in the province of New
Brunswick during the period 1965-1994. An analysis of historic levels of s
pending on road maintenance, rehabilitation and new construction; current m
aintenance management practice; and the source and allocation of funds indi
cated three trends: (i) routine and preventive maintenance funding has stea
dily decreased over the past 30 years while traffic and vehicle registratio
ns have increased; (ii) maintenance expenditures are not keeping pace with
system needs; and (iii) there is a need for a review of traditional constru
ction and maintenance management practices. Three cost prediction models we
re developed to determine an accurate cost for road maintenance. Based on t
he models and the management review, it was concluded that maintenance fund
ing needs to be increased by 25% in conjunction with the implementation of
a comprehensive maintenance management system, if the Department of Transpo
rtation is to adequately meet the current and future needs of the existing
road network.