Pavement Management

Paved roadways represent one of the largest capital investments in today's modern highway system. Maintaining the paved surface of a large highway system involves complex decision-making about how and when to apply surface treatments to keep the highway performing and operating. Pavement management is the process in which a roadway network is evaluated to determine the most cost-effective treatment to maintain good conditions. Currently, NMCOG monitors pavement conditions on arterials and collector roadways throughout the region that are eligible for federal aid. MassDOT provides data on highways and larger arterials in the region.

The Pavement Management System (PMS) aims to keep the roadway system in the best possible condition with the most efficient use of available funds. The aim is to manage pavement conditions with preventative or rehabilitation measures rather than wait until a road needs reconstruction at a significant cost. Based on data collected using pavement management software, NMCOG calculates the cost of maintaining the region's roadways and assesses long-term roadway maintenance needs. This data is incorporated into the Long Range Transportation Plan and corridor studies. Transportation staff also collects pavement condition data for potential TIP projects proposed to the Project Review Committee for approval and funding.