COLUMBIA — If you've bounced through a rough stretch on Nashville Highway or winced over a patch on Trotwood Avenue, the City of Columbia wants you to know it's paying attention — with precision. The city has launched a comprehensive Pavement Management and Preservation Program designed to bring data-driven discipline to how it maintains and improves its road network.
The city has partnered with engineering firm Alfred Benesch and Company and its subconsultant Citylogix to collect high-resolution roadway data across all 235 centerline miles of Columbia streets. Using advanced imaging, LiDAR technology, and 360-degree high-definition data collection, the program will assess pavement conditions with a level of detail far beyond a visual inspection or a citizen complaint. The result will be a prioritized, long-term maintenance and improvement strategy that city officials say will stretch infrastructure dollars further.
Mayor Chaz Molder said the initiative is about investing in Columbia's future. City Manager Tony Massey added that reliable data and advanced analytics will allow the city to prioritize projects more effectively and extend the life of the roadway system. The program also includes standardized plans and specifications for future construction projects, community education materials, and multiple budget scenarios to help guide spending decisions for years to come.
Data collection began in April and is scheduled to continue through December, with the final Pavement Management Plan expected to be delivered by the end of 2026. For a city that has grown considerably in recent years — with new residential and commercial development pushing traffic volumes higher — the ability to plan road maintenance strategically rather than reactively is a meaningful step forward. Residents can expect the city to use the completed plan to guide future budget requests and capital improvement priorities.