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Thurston County awards automated pavement survey contract to IMS Infrastructure
Summary
The county approved a $231,196.27 contract with IMS Infrastructure Management Systems to collect automated pavement-condition data using laser-equipped vehicles, replacing manual windshield surveys and producing CRAB-compatible data to support preservation priorities.
Thurston County Public Works asked the board to approve a $231,196.27 contract with IMS Infrastructure Management Systems to collect automated pavement-condition data and the board reviewed the item during its May 26 work session.
Public Works County Engineer Matt Odsman said the vendor will use a laser-bar mounted vehicle to scan county roads and produce data formatted for submission to the County Road Administration Board (CRAB). The automated method replaces the previous manual windshield rating method and is intended to reduce subjectivity, generate consistent condition scores and better support prioritization of chip-seal and overlay projects.
Odsman said four firms responded to the RFP and the county team — including CRAB staff — evaluated proposals on qualifications, technical approach and price. IMS’s proposal was selected because its data complied with CRAB requirements and offered a competitive price, he said. Commissioners asked about the technology’s prevalence in other jurisdictions and alternatives; Odsman said many Washington cities and counties now use automated collection and that purchasing or maintaining the equipment is often cost-prohibitive, so jurisdictions commonly hire contractors.
Next steps: the vendor will schedule pavement collection runs, deliver CRAB-formatted reports, and Public Works will use the data to prioritize pavement-preservation projects and to maintain eligibility for motor vehicle fuel tax allocations.
