The City uses a formal asset management program that categorizes roads based on a Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating System (PASER). PASER is a system for visually rating the surface condition of a pavement from a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a pavement in a failed condition and 10 being a pavement in excellent condition. Guidelines for rating the pavement surface using the PASER system have been developed by the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council. Engineering staff evaluates all local streets within the City and publishes a map showing the PASER ratings.
Roads in poor condition (PASER 1-4) are candidates for reconstruction or rehabilitation. Those in fair condition (PASER 5-7) receive capital preventive maintenance, while roads in good condition (PASER 8-10) are candidates for routine maintenance work. The lowest rated roads in each of these categories are generally addressed first.