The streets of Arlington are set to get a facelift with a $28.7 million cash injection for maintenance, the City Council has revealed. According to the City of Arlington, Texas, an extra $4 million has been thrown into the pot, with funds coming from the street maintenance sales tax revenue surplus to cover additional projects slated for this summer. This bonus will add to the already earmarked $24.7 million for fiscal 2024, which is due to wrap up on September 30.
The added capital, stemming from savings in the previous fiscal year, is slated to beef up the annual Street Reclamation Program and the Asphalt Mill & Overlay Program. The city keeps tabs on its streets through an annual pavement survey program, which scores each street with an Overall Condition Index (OCI) Rating, ticking off points for both "ride" and "distress". Roads that fall below the midpoint, with ratings lower than 50, are dubbed "red streets" and are recommended for major work under the Capital Improvement Program, while those scoring between 50 and 70, find their place in the less intensive Street Maintenance Program.
Projects under the Street Maintenance Program include several improvements like reclamation, mill, and overlay, as well as various concrete repairs. These enhancements come largely through a voter-backed, quarter-cent street maintenance sales tax.
The reclamation method alone is a multi-step affair that involves the churning and removal of the current asphalt; then by mixing it up with lime and cement, it creates a stronger subbase. After a proper reshaping with a grader, the new base is crowned with a fresh asphalt topping. This method is not only less impactful on the environment, it also slashes the cost and the time ordinarily required by the classic “remove and replace” tactics. This year's slate of reclamation projects for Arlington is expected to be up for bidding in July. On the other hand, the more cost-effective mill and overlay process is planned to hit the streets in October.
