About Pavement Preservation

The Pavement Preservation Unit operates under the Office of Engineering, Road Design Section. The duties of the Pavement Preservation Unit include managing the scope, budget, and scheduling of 6 separate statewide programs. Each program is designed to efficiently preserve the statewide system of pavements within a given budget and through the use of design services from the District offices, consultants, and in-house staff. The programs are designed to cost effectively employ activities which extend the useful life of the roads to produce a net improvement in the highway network. The programs also address cross slope corrections, skid resistance, and other low cost, feasible safety measures within the project limits.

Projects requiring additional right-of-way are only included in the OETS program.

Information obtained from the Pavement Preservation Unit is used as planning/selection tools for all preservation programs.

Interstate Pavement and Nation Preservation Program (PRI & PRNH)

The goal of this program is to manage and systematically plan resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation/replacement, and preventive maintenance projects to maintain and extend the useful service life of interstate pavement and national highway.

Project selection is performed by the Pavement Preservation Unit with input from the Districts.

Non Interstate Pavement Preservation Program (PRNS, PRNF, OETS)

The goal of this program is to maintain and extend the useful life of the state and federal non interstate highway systems through planned activities defined as resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation/replacement of the pavement. Reconstruction of roadways is not part of these programs. Preventive maintenance activities are eligible in these programs.

Funds are distributed annually to the 9 Districts based on formula. Project selection is performed by the Pavement Preservation Unit with input from the Districts and local entities. The projects are approved by the Project Selection Committee.

Pavement Preventive Maintenance Program (PRPM)

The goal of this program is to extend the service life of pavements through use of preventive maintenance treatments. Examples of treatments include, but not limited to, single or double layered surface treatment, patching, joint cleaning and resealing, and single lift overlays.

As nationally documented, preventive maintenance programs are intended to apply the right treatment to the right surface at the right time, thereby maximizing the service life of the roadways.

Available funding is distributed annually to the 9 Districts based on formula and project selections made at the District level. Project selections are approved by the Program Manager based on scope and budget.

The construction plans, proposals, and estimates are prepared by the Districts. Projects estimated at less than $500,000, and state funded only, are typically bid in accordance with the Letter Bid and Contract Guidelines.