<p>COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia is moving forward with a comprehensive Pavement Management and Preservation Program aimed at improving road conditions and stretching infrastructure dollars further. The city has partnered with Alfred Benesch and Company and its subconsultant Citylogix to collect high-resolution roadway data and build a long-term maintenance strategy, according to a city announcement posted in April.</p><p>The program will use advanced imaging, LiDAR technology, and 360-degree high-definition data collection to assess conditions across all 235 centerline miles of city-owned roadway. Mayor Chaz Molder said the goal is to make informed decisions that benefit Columbia for years to come. City Manager Tony Massey noted that reliable data will help prioritize projects more effectively and extend the life of existing pavement — potentially saving taxpayers money over the long run.</p><p>Work began in April, with data collection, analysis, and program development ongoing. The initiative will also produce standardized plans for future projects, community education materials, and budget scenarios. For residents who've been waiting on repairs to a pothole-riddled stretch of their street, this program is the first step toward a more accountable, transparent process.</p>