Ridgeland Partners with Michael Baker International

THE CITY OF RIDGELAND IS PARTNERING WITH MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL TO
CONDUCT PAVEMENT CONDITION INVENTORY

RIDGELAND, MS — The Ridgeland Public Works Department has issued a Purchase Order to Michael Baker International to conduct a pavement condition inventory. The City of Ridgeland leadership wisely uses this process to evaluate the road conditions throughout Ridgeland so that decisions about road maintenance can be made purely based on the condition of the road. The City of Ridgeland regularly invests in street paving, often securing funding support from Madison County, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, State appropriations, Federal appropriations, and the Office of State Aid Road Construction. Mayor Gene F. McGee emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Annual paving costs are one of the City’s largest expenses. The partnerships with these other agencies are paramount for us to continue to maintain top-rated infrastructure while simultaneously offering other important City services.”

The City of Ridgeland Aldermen continues to support the model of paving the worst condition streets first. Ridgeland Public Works Director Alan Hart stated, “The wisdom employed by the leadership is why we are able to have some of the best infrastructure in the State. We strive to repave streets at about a 15 year interval, but the area’s pavement conditions always determine the decision to proceed. If any road is in poor condition, it is on the list to be repaired soon.” The Public Works Department budgeted $1.75 Million for local funding of street overlay this year. With other grants, this year’s total funding will be over $10 Million.

The equipment used all over the USA is housed at the Michael Baker International office in Ridgeland, MS. The local partner will use a 3D pavement Laser Crack Measurement System to determine the Pavement Condition Index. The data calculates conditions and quantities, which City staff uses to determine a 5-year Overlay Plan. The Plan will aid in setting the annual budget and grant needs. In addition, the City will gain access to 360-degree imagery of the street conditions that can be used as a reference from year to year. The plan should be completed in the next few months prior to the deadline for adopting the next budget.