FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — For the next few weeks, Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) will perform an analysis of the City’s street pavement and sidewalk conditions.
In 2019, IMS performed an inventory and analysis of Fayetteville streets to develop a pavement condition index (PCI) rating for the City’s street network. This PCI data has been used over the last 5 years to implement a data-based pavement management and overlay plan that identifies pavement management strategies to maximize conditions and minimize costs.
Public Works Director Chris Brown said, “The City uses software that manages the index data, and it automatically ‘ages’ the pavement based on industry-standard deterioration curves. However, over time, the actual pavement conditions may deviate from the expected condition, so it’s necessary to re-inventory the streets to capture the true pavement conditions and recalibrate the software.”
Using a specially outfitted van, IMS will resurvey the City’s road network, perform structural testing on higher-traffic roads, and provide an updated GIS map and PCI data. The IMS van operates as a laser road surface tester – measuring pavement roughness, rutting, cracking and other surface distresses as it travels down roadways. It also collects roadway and right-of-way data through four digital video cameras mounted inside the van and GPS lasers.
Data collection is anticipated to be completed by February; however, wet roads and winter weather conditions could delay the work timeline. Afterward, IMS will perform separate structural testing, which has yet to be scheduled.
For more information on Fayetteville’s maintenance of streets, trails, sidewalks, and drainage infrastructure, visit the Public Works Department homepage: https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4013/Public-Works-Department.
