A Pavement Management System is a set of defined procedures for collecting, analyzing, maintaining, and reporting pavement data to determine optimum strategies for maintaining streets in serviceable condition over a given period of time for the budget allocated.

We collect and analyze pavement condition data and assign each road a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) score. Those scores are used to determine what type of maintenance is likely needed on a particular segment of road.  We use pavement management software along with the PCI scores to determine how to best allocate resources for roads on an annual basis.

There are three main categories of street repairs:

Surface Seal: This thin or superficial treatment to a roadway is used for preventative maintenance purposes and to protect the roadway from further deterioration. ‘Surface seal’ may include slurry seals, crack seals, chip seals, micro surfacing, etc.  This repair strategy is typically used on relatively new roads that do not have significant structural issues. Surface seals smooth out the driving surface and act as a barrier to water and oxidation.

Rehabilitation: This is a more robust treatment to the roadway to restore the service life of the surface or a portion of the roadway. This type of treatment may include thicker overlays, "deep patches" and/or selective reconstruction and is used on roadways that are overall structurally sound.  It is not uncommon to have small areas of newer roads that need rehabilitation.

Reconstruction: The costliest solution, reconstruction includes the removal and replacement of the road base and asphalt to provide a new structurally-sound street. This repair is needed when the pavement is failing and cannot be repaired by other means. 

The City encourages residents to report potholes and pavement issues they see that could become a potential hazard.

Download the San Marcos City App here and easily report your concerns. The app empowers residents and visitors to support the City in its efforts to keep San Marcos safe and running smoothly.

The San Marcos City App is your gateway to submit service requests to City staff. Whether it’s a pothole, cracked or uplifted pavement, traffic light outage or a maintenance need at City-managed space that you notice, please let us know!