COLUMBIA — If you've noticed trucks with cameras slowly working their way down city streets, now you know why. The City of Columbia has launched a comprehensive Pavement Management and Preservation Program, partnering with engineering firm Alfred Benesch and Company and data consultant Citylogix to assess every mile of road the city maintains. The initiative was announced in April by the City of Columbia.
Using advanced imaging, LiDAR technology, and 360-degree high-definition data collection, the program will produce a detailed picture of pavement conditions across Columbia's 235 centerline miles of roadway. The goal is a prioritized, long-term maintenance strategy — meaning the city intends to fix the roads that need it most, in the right order, before they deteriorate beyond cost-effective repair. Mayor Chaz Molder said investing in infrastructure is investing in the future of Columbia, and that the right data tools will allow the city to make informed decisions for years to come. City Manager Tony Massey added that reliable analytics will help the city prioritize projects more effectively and extend the life of its roadway system. Data collection, analysis, and plan development are scheduled to continue through December, with a final Pavement Management Plan expected by year's end.