Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has achieved a major milestone in infrastructure asset management, with 95% of its road network assets classified as "excellent" under its Road Network Asset Condition Index (ACI).The authority said the achievement reflects leading performance across five key areas of road asset management, further reinforcing Dubai's position as one of the world's foremost cities in infrastructure and road network management.The assessment highlighted RTA's strengths in:Comprehensive asset coverageQuantitative methodology used to calculate the Asset Condition IndexAdoption of LiDAR, artificial intelligence and automated data extraction technologiesAnnual assessment of the entire road networkIntegration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Advanced global benchmarkingThe Road Network Asset Condition Index is an internationally recognised quantitative tool used to measure the structural and operational condition of road infrastructure assets.RTA said it developed the index in line with global best practices following extensive benchmarking with leading transport authorities and infrastructure organisations worldwide, including:California Department of TransportationTexas Department of TransportationFlorida Department of TransportationPennsylvania Department of TransportationNew York State Department of TransportationAustroads (Australia)China's Ministry of TransportSingapore Land Transport Authority (LTA)Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and TourismFrance's CeremaSwedish Transport AdministrationThe benchmarking exercise examined asset assessment methodologies, coverage levels, automation, inspection technologies, index calculation mechanisms, GIS integration and customer engagement practices.Technology-driven approachRTA highlighted the use of advanced technologies, particularly LiDAR, artificial intelligence and automated data extraction tools, as a key factor behind the achievement.According to the authority, LiDAR technology delivers accuracy levels of up to 95%, significantly enhancing asset assessment compared with traditional visual inspection methods.The annual evaluation of the entire road network, combined with GIS integration and digital asset management systems, allows the authority to monitor infrastructure conditions more efficiently and support proactive maintenance planning.RTA said the results reflect its continued commitment to adopting innovative technologies and international best practices to enhance the sustainability, reliability and quality of Dubai's road infrastructure.
