During a recent city commission meeting, Lawrence City Engineer Dave Krone provided an in-depth update on the city's street maintenance program, emphasizing its alignment with the \"Connected City\" initiative aimed at ensuring a well-maintained and efficient infrastructure.

Krone highlighted two key performance indicators (KPIs) related to street maintenance: resident satisfaction with major street conditions and the cost per lane mile for maintenance. According to community surveys, satisfaction dropped from 45% in 2020 to 41% in 2022, falling short of the 50% target. The cost per lane mile has seen fluctuations, with a projected expenditure of approximately $13,600 for 2024.

The city employs advanced technology for pavement condition assessments, utilizing a mobile asset collection vehicle equipped with cameras and lasers to evaluate street conditions every three years. The latest assessment in 2023 revealed an overall pavement condition index (PCI) of 63, a slight decline from 65.6 in 2020. Krone noted that while arterial streets are receiving significant attention, local streets require more focus to improve their conditions.

Krone also discussed the financial aspects of the street maintenance program, indicating that achieving a target PCI of 70 would necessitate an annual investment of around $18 million. However, current funding levels fall short, leading to a backlog in maintenance needs. The city faces challenges such as rising construction costs and competition for funding from other capital improvement projects.

In response to questions from commissioners, Krone explained the coordination between street maintenance and other city projects, particularly regarding ADA compliance and curb repairs. He emphasized the importance of strategic planning to ensure that street conditions are maintained and improved over time.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure while addressing the financial and logistical challenges inherent in maintaining a robust street maintenance program. The ongoing efforts aim to improve resident satisfaction and ensure the sustainability of Lawrence's streets for years to come.