<p>COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia is advancing a comprehensive Pavement Management and Preservation Program designed to bring order and accountability to how the city manages its 235 centerline miles of roadway. The initiative, which pairs engineering firm Alfred Benesch and Company with data analytics subconsultant Citylogix, uses advanced LiDAR imaging and 360-degree high-definition data collection to precisely assess pavement conditions across the city — moving road repair from guesswork to evidence.</p><p>Mayor Chaz Molder framed the effort as an investment in Columbia's future, saying the right tools will allow the city to make informed decisions that benefit residents for years to come. City Manager Tony Massey echoed that, noting that reliable data will allow the city to prioritize projects more effectively and extend the life of the road system — which ultimately means taxpayer dollars go further. The program will also develop standardized plans for future construction projects, community education materials, and multiple budget scenarios.</p><p>Data collection began in April, with full analysis and program development to follow. Pavement preservation techniques — designed to extend road life before costly full replacements are needed — are a central focus. This is the kind of proactive, fiscally responsible planning that residents deserve from their city government. More at <a href="https://www.columbiatn.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=345">columbiatn.gov</a>.</p>