San Rafael’s potholes are considered minor, according to a recent study by a Bay Area transportation agency.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which oversees planning and financing for nine Bay Area counties including Marin, released a report in June ranking cities with the best and worst conditions. San Rafael got second place for Marin County, beaten by Belvedere.
For 331 total lanes miles, San Rafael’s average pavement condition index (PCI) from 2007 to 2010 was 70.3, just making the “Good” rating.
The “Good” rating means “pavements require mostly preventive maintenance and have only low levels of distress, such as minor cracks or spalling, which occurs when the top layer of asphalt begins to peel or flake off as a result of water permeation,” the report states. This rating falls between a 70 to 79 PCI.
Just after San Rafael, came Novato, Corte Madera and Tiburon with “Good” ratings. Fairfax, Ross, Sausalito and Mill Valley had “Fair” ratings with a PCI range between 60 and 69. San Anselmo was considered “At Risk.”
In Marin County, Larkspur got the most media attention for the worst potholes with an average pavement condition index of 46.6 for 64 total lane miles for the past three years.
“The Bay Area currently invests about $351 million annually in maintaining local streets and roads,” report states. “If investment continues at this level, local streets and roads will, on average, deteriorate to poor condition (PCI of 45) by 2035.”
So, San Rafael residents, where are the worst potholes in our city? Are they in the downtown area or up in Terra Linda? Are they in residential areas or near schools or businesses? Tell us in the comments.
