Wayne uses artificial intelligence to help decide which roads get repaved
With more than 200 miles of roads to maintain, the township is using new technology to assess pavement conditions and prioritize repairs. About $2.2 million is set aside to resurface 20 streets.
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Potholes, cracks and uneven pavement can make for a frustrating drive. But in a township with more than 200 miles of roads to maintain, deciding which streets need repairs first can be a challenge.
Wayne Township is turning to artificial intelligence to help make those decisions.
The township is using the Vialytics app to assess road conditions and identify streets that may need resurfacing. Township workers mount a smartphone to their windshield and drive through the area as the technology photographs the pavement and records GPS data.
The system assigns ratings to individual streets and road segments, giving officials a more consistent way to evaluate pavement conditions across the township.
Mayor Christopher Vergano says the previous process relied on engineering assessments and complaints from residents.
The technology has also helped identify problem areas that might not generate complaints, including roads without homes along them.
The township has identified its first 20 roads for resurfacing this spring, with Buens Lane topping the list based on the assessment.
Wayne has about $2.2 million set aside for the work. While the software helps officials determine which roads need the most attention, township leaders will make the final decisions on repairs.
Officials say the goal is to use data to help direct paving dollars where they are needed most.
