Abstract Manager

Pavement management programs are essential tools for optimizing the maintenance and rehabilitation of roadway networks. When implemented properly, pavement management programs have demonstrated the ability to maximize long-term performance at the lowest possible cost. However, many agencies encounter common pitfalls that hinder program success, leading to suboptimal data and inefficient decision-making, often at the expense of accelerated pavement degradation.

This paper explores the most frequent challenges faced by roadway owners and operators when developing, implementing, and maintaining pavement management programs.  Commonly recurring areas of trouble include inappropriate schedules or timelines; insufficient data collection frequencies; inappropriate choices technology; non-standardized, outdated or proprietary methodologies, inaccurate budgets and activity costs; poorly defined levels of service; ineffective communication among stakeholders, and inappropriate network segmentation.  Using real-life examples and case studies, the author will discuss strategies to address these pitfalls to reduce the risks of jeopardizing the pavement management program’s goals.

By addressing these common pitfalls, this paper provides practitioners with actionable guidance to improve pavement management programs, resulting in enhanced pavement performance, higher returns on investment, more competitive proposals from consultants and greater stakeholder satisfaction. Effective pavement management ensures sustainable infrastructure systems capable of supporting growing demands and preserving public investment for future generations.