Laser Road Surface Tester
 

A special van equipped with high-tech sensors will be rolling along Santee streets this month to assess the pavement condition of local streets.

The one-ton van is equipped with a front bumper extension containing lasers, cameras and GPS receivers.  While being driven at normal speeds, the van and its instruments continuously gather data about the road surface such as pavement roughness, rutting and cracking.

It will take about three weeks, from February 6 to 28, to compile data on the city’s 140 miles of local roads. Each local road will be surveyed at least once.

The van, known as a laser road surface tester, belongs to IMS Management Services, a consultant hired by the city to gather the detailed road data and draft a pavement management report. City engineers will use the information to develop a street maintenance plan and cost estimates to carry it out.

Questions about the project can be directed to Senior Civil Engineer Toby Espinola at tespinola@cityofsanteeca.gov or 619-258-4100 ext. 174.