Street paving and pothole repair update

At a glance

Based on auto-generated captions; names and details may be misheard.

What: An update on street paving, pothole repair and the AI pothole-detection program, requested by Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton.
Where it stands: Presented 2026-11-10; no vote. Public Works will confirm state responsibility for Lamar Avenue and TDOT is expected to return quarterly.

Seven to nine vehicles carry AI pothole and drain-inlet detection units; the department is evaluating adding detection to its fleet camera system. Crews are mostly dispatched from 311 requests, plus preventive routes that take three to four months to cover 6,700 lane miles.
The citywide pavement condition index averages 66.5; holding it steady would take about $40 million a year. FY27 plans about 131 lane miles; in-house paving costs about $85,000 per lane mile versus about $145,000 for contracted paving, which also covers striping and signals. FY27 funds an asphalt plant upgrade.
Members pressed on potholes in Super District 8 and on state routes such as Lamar Avenue, and asked for a map overlaying state routes and state representatives; TDOT will be asked to address Lamar when it returns.

2026-11-10 - 2026-11-10 - City Council Committees - Presented 2026-11-10; no vote. Public Works will confirm state responsibility for Lamar Avenue and TDOT is expected to return quarterly.