West Palm Beach is stepping up its game in managing city streets and right-of-way assets with a new high-tech inventory project. The City has teamed up with Roadway Asset Services, LLC (RAS), a data collection whiz firm out of Austin, Texas. These guys are loaded with tools that would make any techie drool – think fleets with 4k cameras and lasers – to size up the condition of our roads and assets, according to the City's press release.
Categorizing every crack and pothole, the RAS vans are the science on wheels. They're set to roam every byway the city has its fingers in, but only when the sun's high. No night owls here, they want the cleanest shots, so data won't roll in once it's lights out.
What's all that imagery for? It's going to freshen up the city's asset management program, helping to sharpen the pencil when budgeting for road works – something every driver’s wallet can appreciate. RAS's task is to create a plan that gets the most bang for the taxpayer's buck in terms of capital improvements.
Curious locals shaking their heads at these RAC vans can get the skinny by dialing up the city staff at 561-494-1141. So, if you see a van looking like it came off a movie set on your street, remember it's their crew trying to make tomorrow's drive a bit smoother.
