When it comes to municipal infrastructure, pavement is often the most visible, and most valuable, asset a city owns. In fact, the replacement cost of a typical roadway network often exceeds the value of public buildings, parks, and even utilities. Yet all too often, road maintenance is approached with a reactive mindset, chasing potholes and costly reconstruction instead of planning ahead.
At Citylogix, we believe there’s a smarter way forward and it starts with proactive pavement preservation.
Delaying repairs may seem like a budget-friendly move, but over time, this “worst first” approach leads to skyrocketing costs and declining road conditions. Major rehabilitation and full reconstruction eat up budgets quickly – yet only fix a fraction of the network.
Instead, municipalities that prioritize early, preventative maintenance can reduce their lifecycle costs by up to 40%, stretching every taxpayer dollar further. For example, a preservation-first strategy averages just $72 per square yard over 50 years,
compared to more than $120 per square yard with a reactive approach.
Let’s say your city has a $1.5 million annual road budget. Would you rather restore 13% of your network or just 7%?
Preservation techniques like crack sealing, chip seals, and micro surfacing allow agencies to cover more ground for less money – while adding 2 to 10 years of life to each roadway segment. These treatments stop damage before it spreads, protecting roads from water intrusion, oxidation, and structural failure.
Modern tools like Equivalent Annual Cost (EAC) and Remaining Service Life (RSL) take the guesswork out of pavement planning. With a clear understanding of network conditions, public works leaders can prioritize the right roads at the right time – and prove their decisions with data.
This leads to:
- More consistent pavement quality
- Fewer emergency repairs
- Higher levels of resident satisfaction
- Easier conversations with councils and budget reviewers
Citylogix offers more than just technology – we provide insights, assessments, and long-term strategy support. Our platform uses AI-powered analysis, LiDAR, and 360° imaging to track pavement conditions, model future scenarios, and guide data-backed maintenance plans.
Even if your city isn’t ready to switch systems, we’re here to help. From lifecycle cost comparisons to sample preservation plans, we can support your team in building a more sustainable, cost-effective pavement strategy.
Preventative maintenance doesn’t eliminate the need for reconstruction, but it delays it, reduces its frequency, and lowers its cost. By treating the right roads at the right time, municipalities can protect their investments, stretch their budgets, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Rex W. Eberly is the owner of Eberly Unlimited, a consulting firm that assists contractors and agencies with Pavement Preservation programs. With industry experience dating back to 1983, he has held a variety of operations and sales roles. In addition to his consulting work, Rex supports the Pavement Preservation industry as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Asphalt Material Applicators (PAAMA), and as a Training Specialist for both the National Center for Pavement Preservation (NCPP) and ViaSun Corporation in Phoenix, Arizona. He also consults with Citylogix, supporting its mission to help municipalities implement data-driven pavement management programs. Rex is passionate about educating pavement managers, politicians, and contractors on the value and impact of Pavement Preservation.
