LAKEPORT — The city”s paved streets average in poor condition, according to the results of a recent analysis.
“The study is an excellent tool for planning road maintenance and repairs. It also provides a reality check that the roads have not fared well in a down economy,” Mayor Stacey Mattina stated in an email Wednesday.
Nephele Barrett and Phil Dow, on behalf of Lake County/City Area Planning Council (APC) staff consultant Dow & Associates, presented the findings to the Lakeport City Council Tuesday night at City Hall.
The city has 29.5 paved, centerline miles of roadway with an average pavement condition index (PCI) of 37 out of a possible 100, according to data collected last year.
The rating represents a slight improvement compared to 2008 — the last time similar data were compiled.
The average PCI for roads in all three jurisdictions in Lake County rank in the poor category, with Clearlake and the county of Lake ranking just above Lakeport. The totals only apply to paved streets.
The PowerPoint presented Tuesday described poor condition as roadways with “moderate-to-severe weathering, light-to-moderate levels of base failure, moderate-to-heavy linear cracking.”
The city”s arterial roads have an average PCI of 57, which qualifies as fair. Collectors rank poor at 31, and residential streets rate poor-to-failed at 25.
The presenters indicated it is more cost-effective to repair and preserve roads in good condition. “Therefore, city policy must include a preservation strategy – which is why residents will see the city maintain a good road even though there may be a ”worse” road right next to it,” Barrett stated.
The estimated price to replace Lakeport”s paved roads is $51.8 million, according to the presentation.
Two main factors contribute to high improvement prices, according to Barrett: rapid pavement deterioration and increasing construction costs.
“Asphalt prices have increased five-fold since 1999” but “funding has not kept up,” she stated.
By spending $700,000 annually on street maintenance, the city could maintain the 37 PCI by 2016, Barrett said. With $1.25 million per year, the city”s average PCI could increase to 47 at the end of five years, she added.
“In any given fiscal year, the actual amount spent on road maintenance is typically decided by the council as that number relates to the city”s overall budget,” City Engineer Scott Harter said in a follow-up interview.
As for the current calendar year, a proposed seal coat on 11th Street “is likely to be looked upon favorably (by the council) and will likely proceed this construction season,” Harter stated.
Last year, the city addressed the condition of several major roads, completing projects on Lakeport Boulevard and a stretch that begins as Lakeshore Boulevard, becomes North High Street and ends as Clearlake Avenue.
“High traffic roads are a priority and maintaining good pavement. Getting to some of the poor streets, off the beaten path, will take time and money,” Mattina stated Wednesday.
