County approves paving equipment purchase and LiDAR road survey to stretch maintenance dollars
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Summary
The Board approved $845,589 to buy paving equipment (asphalt paver, roller, skid steer) to let county crews self-perform subdivision paving and a separate $87,285, one-year contract for a LiDAR-based road-condition survey to improve PACER ratings and target repairs.
St. Joseph County commissioners approved two measures intended to increase pavement work done with existing funds: purchase of paving equipment and a one-year contract for a LiDAR-based road-inventory and condition platform.
County staff presented a package of equipment quotes from McAllister Cat, procured through Sourcewell, totaling $845,589 for an asphalt paver, a roller and a skid steer. Staff said the equipment would allow county crews to self-perform more subdivision paving while continuing to contract out mainline paving.
County staff described a training plan to prepare highway crews over the winter so they can operate the machinery in spring and summer. Staff estimated the county could cover about 1.7 more miles with the same expenditure when relying on in-house crews for subdivision work.
The board also approved a one-year service agreement with CYVL for $87,285 to gather LiDAR and imaging data used to generate PACER ratings (pavement-condition scores), map cracks and potholes, measure pothole depths and cross slopes, and inventory signs and striping condition. Staff said current PACER ratings average about 3.7 and the LiDAR data would provide consistent, 15-foot resolution condition metrics to help prioritize treatments and choose appropriate repairs (for example, distinguishing whether a chip seal or in-place grind is required).
Earlier in the agenda, the board approved change order No. 3 for intersection work at Cleveland and Beach roads to increase light-pole foundations from 24 inches to 36 inches at a cost of $19,987.05 (about 0.17% of the contract), and amendment No. 1 on Bridge 146 (Carroll Street over Bowman Creek) to reallocate tasks after an unmarked utility was found; that amendment did not change the contract sum.
Commissioners approved the paving equipment purchase, the CYVL agreement and the construction change order and amendment by voice vote.
Why it matters: County officials said the equipment purchase and the LiDAR survey together should help the county direct limited road-repair funding to the locations and treatments that deliver the most mileage and longevity. The LiDAR platform also provides photographic records staff can use to "ground truth" automated ratings.
Sources: County presentations to the Board of Commissioners; statements from IPG staff and county engineering staff recorded in the Oct. 28 meeting transcript.