Key Takeaways:
- Elyria city officials are starting the planning process for the 2026 street resurfacing program earlier than in previous years
- The city is leveraging a new technology called StreetScan to identify which roads need attention most
- Approximately 65% of Elyria’s roads are in good condition, but nearly 500 street sections are in poor or failed condition
- The city will use the StreetScan data to prioritize road repairs and make more informed decisions about budget allocation
- The exact budget for the 2026 street resurfacing program remains undetermined, but officials hope to get resurfacing contracts out to bid earlier in the construction season
Introduction to the New Approach
The city of Elyria, Ohio, is taking a new approach to its 2026 street resurfacing program. City officials have started the planning process months earlier than in previous years, and they are leveraging technology to identify which roads need attention most. During a recent meeting of the Elyria City Council Utilities, Safety and Environment Committee, Safety Service Director Chris Pyanowski introduced a new citywide street assessment tool called StreetScan. This technology collects data to analyze road conditions and assign objective scores to roadway segments, allowing for more consistent comparisons between neighborhoods and wards.
The StreetScan Tool
The StreetScan tool has already cataloged and evaluated road conditions throughout Elyria, revealing both good news and challenges. While approximately 65% of Elyria’s roads were found to be in good condition, nearly 500 street sections fall into the "poor" or "failed" categories. This data will be used to prioritize road repairs and make more informed decisions about budget allocation. The tool breaks down conditions street by street, with some sections as short as a single block. City Engineer John Schneider explained that while it’s most efficient to resurface entire streets when possible, practical considerations such as the length of the street and the cost of moving equipment between locations must be taken into account.
Challenges and Concerns
Council members raised concerns about specific problem areas that serve as key travel corridors through the city. For example, Councilwoman Brenda Davis pointed out that potholes have emerged on Route 57 despite relatively recent roadwork. Schneider acknowledged issues in that area and said that funding through the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) has been set aside for Route 57 repairs, though those funds may not be available for a few more years. Councilman Brad Armstrong noted that the city will have to make some hard decisions about which roads to prioritize, given the limited budget and the number of streets in poor or failed condition.
Benefits of the New Approach
By starting the planning process earlier, city officials hope to get resurfacing contracts out to bid when more contractors are available. This could help to control costs and ensure that the city gets the best possible price for the work. Additionally, the StreetScan tool will allow the city to make more informed decisions about budget allocation, prioritizing the roads that need the most attention. Pyanowski said that city staff are available to help council members navigate the StreetScan data and have one-on-one consultations. A vendor from Pavement Management Group will also present a detailed report during the Community Development meeting, including budget scenarios and the StreetScan dashboard.
Next Steps
The exact budget for the 2026 street resurfacing program remains undetermined, but officials are hopeful that the new approach will lead to more efficient and effective use of resources. The city will use the StreetScan data to prioritize road repairs and make more informed decisions about budget allocation. With the help of the StreetScan tool, city officials are confident that they can make a positive impact on the condition of Elyria’s roads. As the city moves forward with the planning process, officials will continue to work with council members and the community to ensure that the 2026 street resurfacing program is a success. By leveraging technology and taking a proactive approach, the city of Elyria is taking a significant step towards improving its infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
