<p>COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia is moving forward with a comprehensive Pavement Management and Preservation Program, partnering with engineering firm Alfred Benesch and Company and subconsultant Citylogix to assess and prioritize repairs across the city's 235 centerline miles of roadway. The initiative was announced in April by the city.</p><p>The program uses advanced imaging, LiDAR, and 360-degree high-definition data collection to evaluate road conditions with precision. The goal is not just to patch potholes reactively, but to implement preservation techniques that extend pavement life and reduce long-term costs. City Manager Tony Massey said reliable data will allow the city to prioritize projects more effectively. Mayor Molder framed it simply: investing in roads is investing in Columbia's future. Work began in April, with data collection, analysis, and program development expected to continue through the year.</p>