The City of Erie is bringing new technology to its streets. The Department of Public Works and Bureau of Streets has begun using a Real-time Pavement Performance Analytics and Automated Sign Detection System to modernize how street conditions are monitored, evaluated, and prioritized.

Sixteen city vehicles are now equipped with sensors that collect data on road surfaces and street signs. This system replaces the manual springtime surveys crews previously performed, saving weeks of labor and speeding up the start of paving work. It also helps determine which streets need work first and what type of repair is most effective.

The new system was funded by a $51,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Community and Economic Assistance Program, with support from State Senator Dan Laughlin and State Representatives Pat Harkins and Bob Merski.

Beginning August 6, paving crews will focus on the east side of the city before progressing westward in August and September. Work includes milling and paving on the following streets:

   •East 2nd, 5th, 10th, 28th, 29th, 31st, 32nd, 35th, and 36th Streets

   •West 8th, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, and 35th Streets

   •Arlington Rd, Ash St, Burton Ave, Cherry St, Conrad Rd, Davison Ave

   •East Ave, Elmwood Ave, Franklin Ave, Glenwood Blvd, Greengarden Blvd

   •Hilltop Rd, Holland St, Liberty St, McClelland Ave, Raspberry St

   •Reed St, State St, and Washington Ave

Streets Already Paved This Season:

   •East 7th St (Pennsylvania to East Ave & Vine to Parade)

   •East 24th St (German to Parade)

   •East 27th St (Pear to 2644 Warfel)

   •East 35th St (Davison to Regis)

   •West 5th St (Plum to Cascade)

   •West 10th St (Myrtle to Chestnut)

   •West 16th St (Walnut to 522)

   •West 17th St (Cherry to Walnut, Liberty to Poplar, Liberty to Plum)

   •Brandes St (East 25th to East 26th)

   •Chestnut St (West 10th to West 11th)

   •Fairmount Ave (Pear to Downing)

   •Liberty St (West 26th to West 29th)

   •McCain Ave (Fairmont to Glendale & Linwood to Glendale)

   •Perry St (East 21st to East 23rd)

   •Poplar St (West 18th to West 19th)

   •Prospect St (Wagner to Harrison)

   •Schaal St (Buffalo Rd to East 20th)

   •Vine St (East 8th to East 7th)

   •Wallace St (East 22nd to East 23rd)

   •Walnut St (West 9th to West 10th)

City officials say the improvements made possible by this real-time system will accelerate annual maintenance and help keep roads in better condition year round.