A Data-Driven Approach as a Panacea to the Economic Rehabilitation of the Benin Auchi Expressway

Abstract

This study evaluates pavement performance, traffic growth, and
economic implications along the Agbede Ewu 10 km section of
the Benin Auchi Expressway, a corridor experiencing rapid
deterioration due to heavy freight movement, steep gradients,
and high rainfall. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) data
collected from 2020 to 2025 show a steady decline from 53.25
to 39.0, reflecting a shift from fair to poor condition, while
average daily traffic (ADT) increased from 5,000 to 5,796
vehicles, compounding structural stress. Vehicle operating costs
(VOC) and maintenance expenditures were analysed, and cost
benefit evaluation of rehabilitation strategies was performed.
Overlay resurfacing over 6.7 km yielded the highest benefit-cost
ratio (BCR = 1.83), while full reconstruction of the most
deteriorated 2.5 km mid-segfment a total cost of N2.33 billion but provided an NPV of N1.65 billion. The study 
highlights the need for timely preventive maintenance and
targeted structural interventions to optimize corridor service
life, reduce operational costs, and maintain safe and efficient
traffic flow.