The Shanxi Provincial Transport Department has formally released a new regulatory framework aimed at strengthening the supervision of maintenance practices on operational toll roads along key provincial and national highways. This initiative is designed to clarify the duties of all stakeholders, enhance oversight systems, and guarantee the safe operation and sound technical state of the road network's infrastructure. The new rules, titled "Interim Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Maintenance on Operational Toll Roads on Ordinary Provincial and National Trunk Highways (Trial)", are now in effect.
Under the directive, which was issued towards the end of June with immediate distribution to municipal transport bureaus, the provincial highway administration, and various toll road operating entities, the measures were established to standardize maintenance workflows and elevate the overall quality of road management. The document stipulates that these regulations are designed to strictly regulate maintenance activities, define the responsibilities of all involved parties, and create a robust monitoring framework to ensure a high standard of road upkeep and user service.
Where to begin
The scope of these interim measures covers all ordinary provincial and national trunk highways that are operated on a commercial toll basis within the administrative region of Shanxi, including associated bridges and tunnels. By this definition, these are roads where vehicle tolls are lawfully collected following approval. The provincial transport department will take the lead on industry-wide supervision and performance assessments, while the provincial highway bureau and its sub-branches will handle the routine, operational aspects of this oversight. Toll road operators are designated as the primary entities responsible for ongoing maintenance and management, and are required to adhere strictly to all relevant laws, regulations, and technical standards to ensure their infrastructure remains in optimal condition and offers quality service to road users.
Maintenance protocols and accountability
According to the new regulations, operators must establish a comprehensive maintenance management system. This includes hiring qualified personnel with the necessary technical expertise, providing regular on-the-job training, and ensuring they possess adequate mechanical equipment for both routine upkeep and emergency response. Financially, a dedicated annual budget must be set aside specifically for maintenance tasks, which encompasses routine care, major repair projects, safety management, equipment upgrades, and emergency reserves.
The measures also set specific performance targets. Operators are now required to maintain an annual effective pavement distress repair rate of over 80% and limit the yearly decline in the Pavement Quality Index (PQI) to within 1.2. A strategic, life-cycle approach to maintenance is mandated, with the creation of a project library that categorizes plans into five-year, three-year, and one-year execution stages. For instance, project proposals for annual execution must be submitted to the provincial highway bureau for approval by the end of November each year.
Emergency management
On the emergency front, toll road managers are required to set up robust emergency response mechanisms. This involves developing detailed contingency plans, assembling dedicated rescue teams, and stockpiling necessary materials and equipment. Regular drills and close coordination with local government bodies—such as meteorological, public security, and emergency management departments—are also essential to ensure swift and effective responses to unexpected road incidents. If a road or structure is damaged or becomes unsafe, the onus is on the operator to manage repairs promptly. Should the operator fail to act, the provincial transport department will step in to organize the necessary repairs, with all costs recovered from the operator in question.
Strengthening supervision
A significant portion of the new regulations is dedicated to reinforcing supervisory mechanisms. Concession agreements for these toll roads must now explicitly outline maintenance responsibilities, targets for pavement and bridge technical conditions, and service quality standards for rest areas. These commitments will be subject to regular checks by the provincial transport department. For instance, routine inspections by the local highway sub-branches must occur at least once a quarter, with the provincial highway bureau conducting a comprehensive evaluation at least annually. Any problems identified through these checks must be rectified within a specified timeframe, with a verification report submitted afterward for approval. Failure to correct issues may lead to public listing for rectification and administrative penalties in accordance with existing toll road regulations.
To ensure accountability, toll road operators are required to file an annual report on the execution of their maintenance plans with the local highway sub-branch by the end of January each year. Additionally, all maintenance-related service units chosen by the operator must be registered with the provincial transport department. In cases where an operator displays negligence, such as shifting responsibility or failing to address identified issues, the local highway sub-branch is authorized to summon them for talks. If an entity is summoned more than three times, the matter is escalated to the provincial transport department.
Dealing with non-compliance and contract expiry
The regulations outline clear consequences for failing to meet standards. Toll road operators have a mandatory obligation to address any of the following situations: if the Road Maintenance Quality Index (MQI) falls below 85, if the PQI for a specific lane falls below 85, if no action is taken on poor road sections within the year, if class four or five bridges, tunnels, or culverts are detected, or if serious safety hazards are ignored. If an operator fails to take corrective action despite being ordered to, the transport department has the authority to order a suspension of toll collection. Continued non-compliance could trigger the formal procedures outlined in the national toll road regulations.
Finally, the measures stipulate that operators are responsible for conducting a comprehensive self-assessment of their maintenance performance a full year before their toll collection period ends. This assessment, along with a formal request, must be submitted to the provincial transport department at least six months prior to the contract's expiry to arrange for a final professional inspection and acceptance. The operator is also required to handle the handover process smoothly, signing a transfer agreement with the receiving party no less than three months before the toll period concludes. These interim measures are applicable for a two-year period, starting from thirty days after the date of publication.