One of the stated goals of the Caltrans Pavement Program Steering Committee (PPSC) for 2006 was to establish a pavement preservation center. This center addresses critical pavement preservation issues, as well as asset and pavement management needs.
There is an essential need to focus on pavement preservation to conserve the existing highway infrastructure and to proactively increase its longevity, serviceability and safety. The Center addresses the goals of preservation, safety, service and innovation. It provides essential guidance to the Department and the Division of Maintenance to support the goals of Caltrans 5-Year Maintenance Plan as required by Senate Bill (SB) 1098.
This is in line with the Program Level-Action Plan (PLAP) strategic goals. The needed assistance includes providing technical bases for the use of appropriate pavement preservation strategies that can result in extending pavement life (SHOPP avoidance), and in determining the optimum timing and efficiency of strategies, as well as provide effective cost control methods and sound asset management. The Center promotes partnerships and strengthens the Department's goals in pursing ways to enhance safety and stewardship.
Caltrans officially announced the opening of the California Pavement Preservation Center, to be located at California State University, Chico, at the Annual Meeting of AEMA-ISSA-ARRA in Palm Springs February 2006.
Caltrans stated the Center was able to provide unique help for those in need of related pavement preservation services by offering:
1) expertise and exposure to national and international knowledge
2) fast-track technology transfer, training and deployment of pavement preservation innovations
3) timely solutions to pavement preservation issues
4) solutions to overcome agency challenges and business practices
5) solid working relationships and partnerships with industry, academia and other public agencies, and
6) credible technical advice and consultation on pavement preservation issues.