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La Mesa staff report shows citywide PCI of 57, outlines 7‑zone maintenance cycle
Summary
Public Works staff told the La Mesa City Council Jan. 13 that a March 2025 pavement condition index survey found an overall PCI of 57 (fair), covering 1,542 pavement sections across about 145 centerline miles; staff described a seven‑zone, seven‑year maintenance rotation and said slurry seals can extend pavement life.
Public Works staff presented a citywide "State of the Streets" report to the La Mesa City Council on Jan. 13, saying a March 2025 pavement condition index (PCI) survey conducted with Applied Research Associates placed the city's overall PCI at 57 — in the "fair" condition range.
The presenter said the city is divided into seven maintenance zones to allow a predictable rotation of repairs and preventive work. "The city is divided into 7 zones as depicted on the map," the Public Works staff member said, noting the survey evaluated 1,542 pavement sections across roughly 145 centerline miles.
Why it matters: a PCI in the 'fair' range indicates most streets still function but show signs of wear that are more cost‑effective to treat now than to replace later. Staff described slurry seals as a preventive treatment that, when applied on the recommended cycle, "can significantly extend the life cycle of the street, often increasing it from approximately 20 years to more than 40 years."
The staff presentation outlined the methods and data sources behind the rating: high‑resolution imaging, laser crack detection, and lidar scanning fed into pavement‑management software. The presenter said the department prioritizes underground‑utility coordination to avoid cutting into newly surfaced streets and noted the city hosts quarterly utility meetings to plan projects and reduce overlapping construction.
Council members pressed for next steps. Council member Lothian said he was "surprised" to see the overall rating at fair and asked whether there is a plan to move streets into a higher condition category. The presenter replied that the department has strategies it can bring forward to the council for guidance and funding decisions. Lothian also asked whether heavier electric vehicles are increasing pavement wear; staff said they have not yet conducted a study specifically on electric‑vehicle weight impacts but acknowledged heavier vehicles generally accelerate pavement wear.
Council member Suzuki praised staff responsiveness and asked whether the survey lists which streets were rated fair; staff said the survey is an overall report but that a deeper, section‑level study covering the 1,542 sections is available and can be provided on request.
Staff closed by urging residents to report localized issues through the city's SeeClickFix system, which allows photo uploads and provides status updates. The presentation concluded with staff saying they will return with proposed strategies and potential projects for council consideration.
The council thanked staff for the report; no vote was taken on capital funding during this meeting.
