Current methods to assess the vulnerability of highway networks concentrate on the evaluation of individual infrastructure elements such as bridges or tunnels. Only a few methodologies have been proposed to study the effects of the failure of a set of links on a network as a whole. A method that analyses the consequences of the failure of each link comprising a network from an operational point of view is proposed in this paper. The procedure proposes an efficient strategy for modelling and managing transportation networks. The results are used to identify critical links in the network for allocating maintenance and rehabilitation resources. In addition, resources for detailed planning of hazard studies can be optimised based on the results of the methodology. It follows a systems approach and uses transportation modelling techniques. A critical scenario-based approach is proposed for optimising the analysis. This paper proposes a methodology considering these factors and presents a case study applied to a section of the Colombian highway network.