This is the first time Macon-Bibb has used StreetScan, a data-based assessment company, to detect structural damage on its roads, according to Chris Floore, chief communications officer of the county.
"For years, people have been saying, 'Fix my road, fix my road,'" Floore said. "This gives us the data to do the worst roads first, as opposed to arbitrarily picking what we think."
A human driver will steer a car decked out in cameras, lasers and AI technology which will drive through and scan about 1,200 miles of county-owned roads during at least the next month and a half. The test could take longer if weather interferes. The trek around town started Dec. 26.
Highways, state routes and interstates are not covered in the assessment because they are owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation, not the county.
After driving around, the AI system will analyze the data and rank the pavement between zero to 100 based on "cracks, structural integrity, potholes and things like that," Floore said.
"Using advanced (light detection and ranging) LiDAR technology, 360° imaging, and AI-powered analytics, StreetScan will create a comprehensive digital map of Macon-Bibb's road network," a news release from the county said.
The project uses state grants, general funds and a 1% sales tax, or Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax to cover costs. A vote to extend the SPLOST allocations will occur March 18.
Mayor Lester Miller said the extended SPLOST period, which is expected to start in September, would continue to fund projects like recreation centers, park improvements, water and sewer treatment, detention and law enforcement facilities, debt and transportation upgrades.
"The mayor said we're putting 10s of millions (of dollars) from the next SPLOST into road repair," Floore told The Telegraph.
Another company, Roadbotics, was contracted to conduct a similar road exam in 2020. Since the analysis, maintenance crews are still in the process of repairing some roads after construction began in August 2022, according to Floore.
Roadbotics found most troubled roads were "out in the neighborhoods," Floore said. Only one or two streets in downtown Macon needed upgrades.
It's unclear when repairs will start based on results of the current AI scanner.
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