Mesquite Public Works Director reveals alarming drop in asphalt road quality in 2024 assessment

The City Council of Mesquite, Texas, received a critical update on the state of the city's roadways during their meeting on December 16, 2024. Public Works Director presented preliminary findings from a recent pavement assessment, revealing a concerning decline in the quality of asphalt roads since the last assessment in 2017.

The assessment indicated that the average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for asphalt has plummeted to 47, down from 67 in 2017, while concrete roads maintained a steady average PCI of 70. This significant drop highlights the urgent need for repairs, particularly on local asphalt roads, which are now rated among the lowest in the city.

Director emphasized the importance of preventive maintenance strategies, such as crack sealing and shoulder repairs, which can extend the lifespan of existing roads. He noted that while asphalt repairs are cheaper, they deteriorate more quickly, leading to a higher number of poorly rated streets in residential areas.

The council discussed various approaches to prioritize road repairs, including focusing on the lowest-rated roads, addressing neighborhoods collectively, or prioritizing high-traffic routes. Council members expressed the need for a scoring system to balance these factors effectively, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently.

The council plans to refine their strategy and present a comprehensive street repair program in January, aiming to address the pressing infrastructure challenges facing Mesquite. The discussions underscored the ongoing struggle to maintain and improve the city's roadways, a challenge that has persisted for years without a quick fix in sight.