NDOT district 8 officials say preservation spending must keep pace to hold good road conditions

O'Neill — Nebraska Department of Transportation District 8 engineers told the State Highway Commission on June 27 that pavement condition in the north-central Nebraska district is generally strong but requires steady investment to avoid rapid deterioration.

Mark Kovar, District 8 engineer, told commissioners the district averages a Nebraska Serviceability Index of about 83 on a 0–100 scale, where values above 70 are considered “good.” He said the department uses the NSI, along with other measures, to estimate remaining service life and to prioritize resurfacing and preservation treatments.

Kovar said District 8 needs about $271 million over the next six years to reach the statewide NSI goal of 84.7; the district is currently funded at about $240 million for that same period. "At this level, our pavement conditions will deteriorate faster than we should allow," he said.

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