How Roads are Chosen

All city streets are inspected every three years and rated using a Pavement Condition Rating index (PCR). This data is used to identify candidate streets for repair projects. City engineers then review these candidate sections to better understand the cause of pavement problems. They also consider traffic levels, information from maintenance records, and complaints from residents.

We attempt to identify poor condition streets that are costing the most to maintain, get the most use, and are most visible to residents. Success in soliciting grant funding is also considered. There are currently more streets in need of a full reconstruction than we have money to fix, but we consider all of these factors to find the best possible candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there paint on the ground in my area?

The markings on the ground are OUPS markings. OUPS stands for Ohio Utilities Protection Service. Before a project begins, OUPS is notified. OUPS then contacts all utilities in the area of the project. These utilities come out to the site to mark the location of their underground utilities to make the workers aware of their location.

Why are surveyors here?

City of Toledo surveying crews typically are in an area up to a couple years before a project begins. The crews survey an area, and City of Toledo design engineers use the information provided in the survey to design the project. Because of the fluid nature of project planning, just because surveyors are in an area does not mean that a project is imminent.

Why are trees being cut down?

The City of Toledo makes every effort to only remove trees when absolutely necessary. Trees in the immediate vicinity to a construction site are sometimes removed because they will often be killed during the construction process, or damaged to the point where they will die in the next few years. Resurfacing a road typically doesn't impact trees, but full reconstruction damages the tree's root system.

During the planning stages of a project, trees are individually evaluated by experts from the City of Toledo's Forestry Division. Every effort to save trees is made, and trees are only removed if the Forestry expert deems it absolutely necessary.

Will trees be replanted after being removed on a project?

On most residential reconstructions where trees are removed, appropriate trees will be replanted.

How does the City select which treatment to perform on a street?

The Divisions of Engineering Services and Streets, Bridges, & Harbor work together to schedule the right treatment on the right street at the right time to achieve the longest pavement life possible. These treatment options include:

1. Crack sealing - seal cracks in streets to prevent further deterioration of the wearing surface and reduce the number of potholes.
2. Pavement repairs - repair streets by patching with concrete, hot mix asphalt, cold mix asphalt, Durapatch or other products to improve the quality and extend the life of the wearing surface.
3. Surface treatment - provides a chip and seal layer to unimproved residential streets.
4. Resurfacing - this involves grinding down the top layer of road and laying down a new layer of asphalt.
5. Reconstruction - full reconstruction is the most expensive option, involving complete reconstruction of the roadway down to its base. New curbs may be part of a road reconstruction project.

Can I refuse a surface treatment?

The City of Toledo has nearly 200 miles of unimproved residential streets. These are typically streets of minimal to no road base depth, and often without curbs or proper drainage. Surface treatment is performed on unimproved residential streets every four to seven years as necessary to maintain an acceptable wearing surface. The treatment will prolong the pavement life by sealing the existing pavement with a waterproof asphalt coating and a protective stone cover wearing surface to prevent the infiltration of surface water.

Handbills (blue paper attached to your doorknob) should be delivered to each home approximately one week prior to the surface treatment application on a particular street. If you and your neighbors wish to refuse a surface treatment, you may submit a petition to refuse surface treatment.

Petition to Refuse Surface Treatment

How can I get a pothole fixed?

To report a pothole, please contact Engage Toledo.

How can I get my sidewalk repaired?

To report a sidewalk problem, please contact Engage Toledo.