UDOT condition goals have always been set to maintain the status quo, i.e., fund enough work to not let the pavement condition deteriorate. This "Good Roads Cost Less" strategy was adjusted when sufficient funding for the full system wasn't available. The Low Volume System was created to allow UDOT to focus on maintaining the High Volume system. UDOT's present strategy is to maintain the High Volume System (AADT volumes > 1,000) condition levels, while working to improve the Low Volume system to the condition levels prior to the creation of the "Low Volume" program. Pavement condition data is collected annually and delivered to UDOT every November.
The Pavement Performance Measures file at the bottom of this page explains the various condition performance measures and targets for our Statewide condition reporting, High volume system and Low volume system reporting, as well as the condition reporting for FHWA.
Our principal performance measure for reporting pavement condition is pavement smoothness using the collected 0.1 mile IRI data. The charts below represent pavement condition at a funding amount of about $220 million for preservation and rehabilitation.
One of the primary performance measures being used for the pavement management program is our Statewide High Volume System condition report. Our pavement management strategy is to maintain a status quo condition level for this system of Interstate, National Highway System, and other high volume roads with over 1,000 AADT (3,915 miles).
The other primary performance measures being used for the pavement management program is our Statewide Low Volume System condition report. Our pavement management strategy is to improve the condition level for this system of low volume roads with less than 1,000 AADT (1,905 miles).
The graphic below shows the historical and forecasted condition levels for the three systems: statewide, high volume, and low volume. The historical condition is calculated from our collected 0.1 mile IRI data. For the high volume system, the forecasted condition is from our pavement management system with our expected funding levels to maintain a status quo condition level - approximately 180 million $/year. For the low volume system, the forecasted condition is from our pavement management system with our expected funding levels from the recent gas tax increase being used for this system - funding for low volume routes is approximately 40 million $/year. Use the buttons on the graphic below to toggle between the systems for statewide pavement.
GASB-34 is a federal accounting and reporting measure for state and local governments. As part of that measure, UDOT is required to set a goal showing that it is taking care of its assets and not letting them just deteriorate. UDOT set a goal of 20% fair or better condition based upon smoothness (IRI) since that is the main indicator that the public notices as they travel on Utah roadways.
The distress data and roadway images are collected annually by vendor and the information is available here.