Maximizing Road Lifespan: A Guide to Pavement Preservation for Local Agencies

In the 1990s, pavement preservation first became eligible for federal aid, marking a pivotal moment in road maintenance. Today, a quarter of U.S. states have committed to implementing pavement preservation policies/plans. Across the county, a wide array of government, industry and academic organizations are stewarding the adoption of these cost-effective practices. 

With so much momentum behind this initiative, it is natural for local agencies to feel overwhelmed by the flood of information. Thankfully, there are clear, actionable steps to begin harnessing the power of pavement preservation for community roads. 

Cape Seal Application  

What is Pavement Preservation? 

Pavement preservation is a proactive strategy that applies low-cost, preventative maintenance treatments to roads while they are still in good condition. By intervening early with the right treatment on the right road at the right time, agencies can slow deterioration of roads, restore surface characteristics and extend the service life of pavements. The result is lower lifecycle costs by deferring expensive rehabilitation projects. Pavement preservation is all about maximizing the quality of a road network while minimizing the lifecycle cost of maintaining that network. 

The Benefits of Pavement Preservation 

• Cost Savings: When roads last longer, budgets stretch further. Preservation treatments are less expensive than conventional methods, and they extend the life of pavements, which means the overall cost per square yard is reduced. 
• Improved Safety: Over time, preservation treatments enhance safety by improving surface friction and correcting safety issues like raveling, rutting and poor drainage. 
• Increased Public Satisfaction: Smoother roads and shorter construction times can lead to fewer delays and less frustration for the public, creating a positive perception of local government services. 
• Reduced Unplanned Maintenance: Addressing issues early helps prevent small problems from becoming costly crises.  

Pavement Management Systems 

To fully unlock the cost-saving and long-term benefits of pavement preservation, local agencies should establish a Pavement Management System. This system allows for efficient management of a road network by providing a structured approach to implementing preservation techniques.  

Key elements of a robust system include: 

• Regular road inspections and condition assessments  
• Use of computerized systems to track road condition data 
• Prioritizing maintenance based on data 
• Analyzing cost and performance of treatments 
• Selecting appropriate preservation treatments based on pavement type and distresses observed 
• Performing cost-benefit analyses, and short and long-term cost forecasting 
• Developing proposals and schedules to implement a plan that aligns with budget and policy constrains 

With a well-integrated Pavement Management System, agencies can strike the right balance between preventative and corrective maintenance, maximizing pavement longevity while minimizing lifecycle costs.  

Il-29, 7-year-old Pavement Condition with VRAM 

The Federal Highway Administration’s Mission 

In many states, having a formalized Pavement Management System is critical to accessing state or federal funding for certain preservation activities. In states like Indiana, with an approved Pavement Management System, local public agencies can apply for federal funding for Preventative Maintenance projects on certain public highways.  

In October 2020, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) launched a dedicated Pavement Preservation program to drive the nationwide adoption of these strategies. Their mission is to lead through policy, research, training and support to ensure effective pavement preservation becomes the standard. 

This FHWA Strategic Plan calls on local agencies to take advantage of several key opportunities: 

• Expanding pavement preservation programs and finding new, practical treatments at the local level
• Developing road inspection techniques and specifications to ensure preservation success 
• Quantifying the benefits of a strategic preservation plan 
• Integrating preservation into project planning and decision-making 
• Educating elected officials, management and the public about the value of preservation

The ultimate goal is clear: to create a surface transportation system that is financially and environmentally sustainable for the long term. While challenges such as funding, technical expertise and public awareness remain, the future of pavement preservation is bright, with higher levels of government continuing to support and incentivize these optimized road management practices.   

Ready to Get Started? 

Visit Road Resource to dive deeper into Pavement Preservation and explore what Treatment is available and right for your road network. 

For an easy overview of preservation treatments, check out our Services page.  

Explore Our Sources 

• Pavement Preservation (When, Where, and How) by FHWA 

• FHWA Pavement Preservation Strategic Plan  

• INDOT Pavement Asset Management for Local Public Agency Roadways 

• Pavement Preservation: Preserving Our Investment in Highways | FHWA (dot.gov) 

• IDOT Local Agency Pavement Preservation