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Lakeland, FL - Lakeland is rolling out a new artificial intelligence system designed to help the city identify road damage earlier and manage street maintenance more efficiently.
City officials approved a four-year, $240,000 agreement with a technology company that provides AI-based road condition monitoring using sensors mounted on city vehicles.
Instead of relying on pavement studies that are typically conducted every two to three years, the new system will collect data on a daily basis as city vehicles travel throughout Lakeland.
The technology analyzes road surfaces to identify cracks, potholes and other signs of deterioration before they become more severe.
According to the city’s Public Works Department, this approach will allow staff to prioritize maintenance based on real-time conditions rather than outdated reports.
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The goal is to shift more resources toward preventative maintenance and reduce the need for costly emergency repairs.
Officials say this could also help extend the lifespan of city streets and improve overall safety for drivers.
The contract costs $60,000 per year and includes the option for the city to extend the agreement after the initial term.
Installation of the sensors is expected to begin within weeks, and the system is scheduled to become operational in early March.
Data collected by the system will be used to guide long-term planning, determine which roads need attention first and support budget decisions related to resurfacing and repairs.
City leaders believe this technology will provide a clearer picture of infrastructure needs and help Lakeland respond more quickly to developing problems across its road network.