Pavement Condition
Updated Using 2023 Data
FDOT has primary jurisdiction over the State Highway System (SHS) which carries over half of all traffic within Florida. This system includes major roads such as interstates and highways with U.S. or state road numbers. The mandate of 334.046(4), F.S. requires FDOT to achieve at least 80% of the acceptable pavement standards on the SHS.
Resurfacing needs are identified through FDOT’s annual pavement condition survey. This survey evaluates pavement conditions in terms of ride quality, crack extent and severity, and average depth of wheel-path ruts.
- “Ride quality” is what the motorist experiences (i.e., smoothness of the ride).
- Crack extent and severity or “cracking” refers to the deterioration of the pavement through formation of cracks or loss of aggregate or surface texture caused by repeated heavy use, which leads to loss of smoothness and ultimately, deterioration of the road base by water seepage if not corrected.
- Wheel-path ruts or “rutting” are pavement depressions caused mainly by heavy use. These depressions or ruts can collect water, creating potential safety hazards.
Note: Pavement conditions are calculated using a different method for federal performance reporting purposes.