Ongoing
Harris & Associates is partnering with the City of Watsonville to deliver comprehensive pavement program management services following the passage of Measure R, which dedicated approximately $15 million toward improving the City's transportation infrastructure. As Program Manager, Harris is leading the development of a data-driven Pavement Master Plan (PMP) that will guide investment decisions, maximize the City's funding, and improve roadway conditions while prioritizing accessibility, equity, and long-term asset performance.
To establish a strong foundation for the program, Harris completed citywide pavement condition assessments and curb ramp inspections and is working closely with City staff to finalize the Pavement Master Plan. The plan updates the City's Pavement Condition Index (PCI), validates the accuracy of the Streetsaver® database, incorporates ADA compliance findings, and aligns pavement improvements with planned utility projects. By grouping streets by neighborhood, treatment type, and community priorities, the PMP provides a strategic roadmap for phased improvements throughout Watsonville.
Core Elements
Developing a citywide pavement management program requires balancing engineering priorities, funding constraints, accessibility requirements, and future infrastructure needs. Harris is coordinating these efforts through a comprehensive planning and program management approach that includes:
- Development of a comprehensive Pavement Master Plan and long-term capital investment strategy
- Citywide pavement condition assessments and updated Pavement Condition Index (PCI) analysis
- Verification and enhancement of the City's Streetsaver® asset management database
- ADA curb ramp evaluations to support accessibility improvements and project prioritization
- Coordination of pavement improvements with planned utility projects to reduce future roadway impacts
- Development of phased construction strategies utilizing treatments such as crack sealing, slurry seal, overlays, and rehabilitation
- Budget management and value engineering to maximize the impact of the City's $15 million Measure R investment
Beyond the Blueprints
Harris' role extends beyond developing the master plan by providing ongoing program management that streamlines delivery and ensures consistency throughout implementation. By managing both planning and pavement preservation under a single team, the City benefits from improved coordination, reduced administrative effort, and greater continuity from planning through construction.
As part of this ongoing partnership, Harris is:
- Managing annual RFQs to onboard civil and traffic engineering consultants
- Overseeing consultant coordination, design reviews, and field verification
- Managing construction inspection teams to ensure compliance with the Pavement Master Plan and ADA requirements
- Coordinating closely with City staff throughout planning, design, and construction
- Promoting equitable investment across neighborhoods through data-driven project prioritization
- Integrating asset management, engineering recommendations, and utility coordination into a unified pavement program
Through this collaborative approach, Harris is helping the City of Watsonville transform Measure R funding into a strategic, long-term investment that improves roadway conditions, enhances accessibility, and creates a more resilient transportation network for the community.
