List of Roads to Be Made up by Highway Dept., Not Elected Officials
The town of North Hempstead recently released the latest list of roads scheduled for this year’s annual resurfacing effort. With more than 200 unique locations, the initiative is a record-breaking effort for the town. The more than 40 miles slated for resurfacing mark an almost doubling over last year’s 23 miles and represent nearly a $6 million investment in the town’s infrastructure.
In a major shift from previous years, this year’s road repaving selections were primarily guided by input from the Highway Department’s district foremen, rather than by recommendations from elected officials. The new system ensures that the decisions are made by those most familiar with on-the-ground conditions and street-level needs.
“Everybody wants their road repaved, but the truth is some are in significantly greater need of repair than others,” Supervisor Jennifer DeSena explained. “By relying on professional assessments instead of political negotiations, we’re making objective, need-based decisions.”
To support this data-driven approach next year, the town will also be using Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Surveys. Originally developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the PCI system provides a measurement of a pavement’s structural integrity and functional condition. These calculations provide an objective and rational basis for determining maintenance and repair needs and priorities. PCI survey providers use vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors to record information which is then analyzed using artificial intelligence and expert human review.
In prior years, residents criticized the rotational repaving schedule, which some claimed overlooked roads in serious disrepair and invited political favoritism, according to the town. The new town system is designed to eliminate those concerns and focus solely on need.
“We saw how road repaving became a political issue in the past but that stops now,” said Councilman Ed Scott. “We’re making sure the biggest problem areas are taken care of first, so we do right by all our residents.”
Kristin Seleski, commissioner of the Department of Public Works, emphasized the broader importance of the initiative: “Infrastructure plays a much greater role than people realize. Safe, smooth roads enhance your day-to-day life and support our local economy.”