Columbia to scan roads, collect data and fix problem areas

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) — The City of Columbia is launching a high-tech effort to identify road problems and prioritize future repairs.

City leaders said vehicles equipped with 3D video capability, cameras and other imaging technology will collect data on more than 200 miles of roadway to help determine which streets need attention first.

“You can be on the lookout for vehicles that look out of the ordinary because they will be equipped with high-tech cameras. Videos and pictures will be taken,” Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said.

Molder said the program is part of the city’s broader investment in street improvements.

“We have made investments in the city street improvements, and this opportunity shows a modernized approach to evaluate our city streets,” he said.

City leaders said the goal is to take a more proactive approach to road maintenance and make better decisions about how street repair money is spent.“What this provides is an opportunity to be proactive and also modernize the way we evaluate the street budget process,” Molder said. “There are problem areas in all wards, but overall we are in good shape for a city our size of 50,000 people.”

Officials said the project is also expected to support pedestrian safety efforts and save money over the long term by helping the city identify issues earlier.

Molder said the testing is expected to begin in the next couple of weeks and continue through December.“This will be a very extensive undertaking,” he said.The city said repairs based on the findings are expected to roll out over the next two to six years.

Columbia has partnered with Alfred Benesch and Company and its subconsultant, Citylogix on the project. In the meantime, Molder said residents with questions can email him.