Pavement Management System Update

Community Report: Pavement Management System Update

The City recently received a comprehensive update on the condition of Upland’s roadway network through a detailed Pavement Management System presentation delivered at the April 14, 2026 Public Works Committee meeting . This report provides an important, data-driven look at where the City stands today, how we arrived here, and what steps are needed moving forward to protect one of our most valuable public assets, our streets.

At the highest level, this analysis confirms that Upland’s road system represents a significant public investment, valued at approximately $557 million across 192 miles of streets and 46 million square feet of pavement . Roads are not just infrastructure, they directly impact daily quality of life, public safety, emergency response times, property values, and the overall perception of our community. The presentation clearly reinforces that maintaining this system is essential to preserving the City’s long-term stability and livability.

Using industry-standard tools, the City evaluates road conditions through what is known as the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which scores streets on a scale from 0 to 100. Upland’s current PCI stands at 53, which places the City below the regional average of 69 and identifies us as having the lowest pavement condition among comparable cities . For context, a healthy and sustainable roadway system typically targets a PCI between 76 and 80. This gap underscores the magnitude of the challenge ahead.

A key takeaway from the presentation is the importance of timing in roadway maintenance. Pavement deterioration does not occur in a straight line, it remains relatively stable for years and then rapidly declines once it reaches a critical point. Once that threshold is crossed, repair costs increase dramatically. As highlighted in the cost analysis, reconstruction can be up to 1,600% more expensive than early preservation treatments . In practical terms, this means that delayed maintenance not only worsens road conditions but significantly increases long-term costs for taxpayers.

Financially, the City is currently investing approximately $6.8 million annually in street and alley maintenance. However, the analysis shows that maintaining the current PCI would require about $16.4 million per year, leaving an annual shortfall of roughly $9.6 million . To improve conditions to a more acceptable level, the funding need rises even further. As a result of years of underinvestment, Upland now faces an estimated $210 million in deferred maintenance liability .

The report also outlines contributing factors that have led to current conditions. These include historical funding constraints, rising construction costs, and staffing shortages within the City’s engineering and public works divisions. For example, Upland currently operates with approximately 47% fewer engineering staff per capita than comparable cities, which has impacted the pace of project delivery and long-term planning efforts . Additionally, the City’s street maintenance workforce has declined in recent years, further limiting the ability to address ongoing needs.

Despite these challenges, the City has taken meaningful steps to improve efficiency and stretch available resources. Recent strategies include implementing new pavement preservation technologies, streamlining project delivery through cooperative purchasing agreements, expanding consultant support, and improving internal project management processes . These efforts are aimed at maximizing the impact of every dollar spent while preparing for a more sustainable path forward.

Looking ahead, the presentation makes clear that addressing this issue will require a balanced approach. This includes identifying additional funding sources such as grants, external funding opportunities, and potential local revenue measures, while also evaluating staffing needs and organizational improvements. The City is also exploring operational changes, including the potential creation of a dedicated right-of-way division to improve service delivery.

The long-term goal is straightforward: stabilize and improve Upland’s roadway system by increasing the City’s PCI into the 76–80 range. Achieving that goal will take sustained commitment, disciplined financial planning, and continued investment in both infrastructure and the workforce that supports it.

In summary, this report provides a clear and candid assessment of the City’s infrastructure condition. While the challenges are significant, the roadmap is equally clear. With strategic investment, responsible planning, and a focus on long-term outcomes, Upland can protect its infrastructure, improve roadway conditions, and ensure that public dollars are used effectively for the benefit of the entire community.

Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.

James Breitling

(909) 342-2523

info@theuplandupdate.com

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