Pavement Management & Street Moratorium

Pavement Management

The City of Tustin Public Works maintains over 140 centerline miles of roadway. To ensure the long-term health of its roadway network, the City utilizes a Pavement Management Program that systematically evaluates pavement conditions, identifies maintenance priorities, and plans cost-effective repairs based on available funding.

A key component of this program is the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), a nationwide standard used by cities to assess the state of roadway infrastructure. PCI is a numerical index from 0 to 100, where 0 represents very poor pavement condition and 100 represents excellent condition. This index is based on field-verified data and helps determine the most appropriate and economical treatment for each street segment.

A fully integrated Pavement Management Program (PMP) has had a positive effect on improving the City’s entire pavement network by:

  • Developing efficient Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R) strategies
  • Analyzing the effect of various funding alternatives on pavement conditions
  • Forecasting optimal timing for maintenance and repair
  • Providing cost-effective alternatives to halt pavement deterioration
  • Reducing the backlog of M&R work over the next seven years

To meet the City’s goal of providing a safe, reliable, and comfortable driving environment, the PMP analyzes M&R strategies, evaluates the impact of existing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding, and projects future funding needs to maintain and improve PCI.

Program Components:

  • Regular inspections and pavement condition assessments
  • Preventive maintenance treatments (e.g., crack sealing, slurry seals, overlays)
  • Full reconstruction for severely deteriorated roads
  • Strategic planning to extend pavement life and reduce long-term costs

Street Moratorium 

A Street Moratorium is a restriction placed on newly paved or resurfaced streets to preserve their condition and extend their lifespan. During the moratorium period—typically five years after the completion of work—excavation, trenching, or any construction that disturbs the pavement is limited or prohibited.

The City of Tustin places moratoriums on all streets and alleys that have been recently overlaid, reconstructed, or slurry sealed. These moratoriums go into effect immediately after construction is completed. The duration of the moratorium is:

  • Five (5) years for overlay or reconstruction projects
  • Three (3) years for slurry sealing projects

Key Points:

  • Exceptions may be granted for emergency work, subject to special permitting
  • If excavation is allowed, strict restoration standards must be followed to maintain pavement quality

Purpose of the Moratorium:

  • Protect the investment made in street improvements
  • Reduce future maintenance costs
  • Minimize disruption to residents and traffic

Resources