Originally published in 1995
Airport sponsors who participate in federally-funded projects for pavement replacement or reconstruction must now commit to a grant assurance which stipulates that an effective pavement maintenance/management program will remain in effect throughout the “useful life” of the constructed pavement.
Along with the release of the 1995 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds, Congress mandated that facilities receiving federal monies for replacement or reconstruction of paved surfaces create a pavement maintenance/management program.
TxDOT will work with sponsors to comply with the letter and spirit of the legislation by providing assistance in creating a pavement maintenance/management program plan that is appropriate for each airport.
During the past three years detailed pavement inventories have been completed for virtually all general aviation airports throughout the state. That data will serve as the basis for creating a plan for each facility involved. Annual inspections will be conducted by TxDOT personnel.
Pavement programs will haye four basic components:
A pavement inventory which shows the dimensions, locations and maintenance history of all paved surfaces; A prescribed inspection schedule which will involve detailed annual assessments, and monthly “drive-by” observations;
Record keeping which documents inspection dates, findings, locations of distress and remedial actions scheduled and performed, and;
A method of data retrieval which permits a comprehensive presentation to the FAA, if requested.
Ultimately, we hope to include all airports with which we are involved in a similar program, whether or not they are recipients of a federal grant. A statewide pavement maintenance/management program creates a winwin situation. Airports will have a structured method of addressing maintenance requirements in a timely fashion, thereby minimizing repair costs. And repairing and rehabilitating pavements, instead of having to reconstruct them, will allow us to maximize state and federal dollars for system improvements.