The City of Benicia is responsible for the management, repair, and maintenance of approximately 196 lane miles of pavement and is valued at $111.5 million. As of 2016, the City’s average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is 54. The PCI is a measurement of pavement grade or condition and ranges from 0 (failed) to 100 (new).
The network is evaluated using pavement maintenance management program (PMP) software called StreetSaver that was developed by Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and is used by public agencies throughout the Bay Area. In the latest PMP Update report, the City’s current PCI is 54 or “At Risk”, which is down from 70 in the 2006. Approximately 36% of City streets fall in the poor or failed pavement condition category. The latest PMP report identified approximately $48 million in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation needs over the next ten years to repair all City streets to a PCI of 83.
In Fiscal Year 2016-2017, the City received $600,000 in Gas Tax revenue and $150,000 in Solid Waste Franchise Agreement revenue for street maintenance. This is not enough funding to increase the average PCI. In November 2014, Benicia residents passed Measure C which will provide sales tax funding source to improve City streets. In May 2017, the Governor signed SB1, which should eventually double the City’s Gas Tax revenue.
Historically, the cost to maintain streets in good condition has been cheaper than the cost to repair streets that have failed. By allowing pavements to deteriorate, streets that once cost approximately $2 per square yard to seal may cost $48 per square to overlay or $95 per square yard to reconstruct. Significant delays in pavement maintenance can cost over 40 times more to repair in the future. Public Works staff are using the StreetSaver PMP to cost effectively maintain and repair City streets.
Source: City of Benicia
Author: City of Benicia