Lubbock is set to utilize LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to evaluate the condition of its streets and allocate its $14.5 million road repair budget more efficiently. The City Council is considering a $324,000 contract with Roadway Asset Services to implement this technology.

Assessing Road Conditions

According to David Bragg, director of public works, the LiDAR equipment will provide a more accurate assessment of road damage than visual inspections. The technology will assign letter grades to streets and roads, similar to a report card, to help determine maintenance schedules.

The proposed contract requires the work to be completed within 300 days. The city will receive color-coded images highlighting problem areas, such as cracks, and city crews can add potholes to the list of repairs.

Prioritizing Repairs

Jon Bruegel, the new councilman for District 3, emphasized the importance of maintaining existing roads, particularly in Central Lubbock. Tim Collins, councilman for District 6, noted that the goal is to be more efficient and prevent costly repairs in the future.

By spending a little money now, the city hopes to save more in the long run. Minor repairs can prevent further damage, reducing the need for expensive repairs later. The city has roughly 1,350 miles of paved streets, and the street maintenance budget has been increasing since 2016.

Original reporting: Lubbock Lights — read the source article.