Deferred Maintenance

The NPS actively invests in preserving and improving its transportation system, including the roads, bridges, transit systems, non-motorized trails, and ferries that provide critical access to and within parks.

At a time of record-setting visitation and rapid technological change, many key pieces of NPS transportation infrastructure are reaching the end of their service life. Iconic NPS parkways and other major roads, bridges, and transit systems require modernization and generational reinvestment to continue to provide access to NPS visitors.

 

Deferred Maintenance & Repairs (DM&R)

Information on DM&R related to transportation is available on the NPS Infrastructure site, under the deferred maintenance & repairs page.

 

The Pew Charitable Trusts released a video.to highlight common DM&R issues in parks. The eight minute piece covers housing, roads, and sewage systems.

Additionally, a video on roads DM&R in the Great Smokey Mountains was also developed.

 

Examples of Deferred Maintenance on NPS Roads

 

Asphalt Fatigue and Alligator Cracking

NPS

Asphalt fatigue and alligator cracking

 

Asphalt Fatigue and Delamination

NPS Photo

Asphalt fatigue and delamination

 

Asphalt fatigue and map cracking

 

Failed Base and Rutting

NPS Photo

Failed base and rutting

 

Failed base, rutting, pavement creep

 

Failed Base, Rutting, Pot Holing

NPS Photo

Failed base, rutting, pot holing

 

Pavement Edge Rutting

NPS Photo

Pavement edge rutting