Street Pavement

Data Collection & Budget Analysis: Our Roadmap for Decision-Making

Every two years, Petaluma conducts a comprehensive pavement condition survey. The most recent data collection occurred in 2022, with the next scheduled for 2024. This crucial data, along with our 3-5 year paving plans, guide our strategies. We also consider factors like:

• Collision history to improve safety.
• Identifying streets where less costly maintenance is feasible versus those needing extensive reconstruction.
• Proximity to schools and parks for community wellbeing.
• Upcoming utility work that necessitates roadwork.

Tackling the Challenges: Understanding Our Streets' Past

Petaluma's journey with road maintenance has been challenging due to historically limited funding. However, with Measure U's support, we now have the means to significantly enhance our road infrastructure. Our current focus is on addressing approximately $200 million in deferred maintenance. Progress is underway, and while we can't promise overnight transformations, we're committed to making steady strides towards smoother, safer roads.

Prioritizing Needs: Why Isn't My Street Being Fixed Yet?

With over 60% of our roads in poor or failing condition, we face tough choices in allocating resources. Signs of a road in distress include:

• Worn away slurry or seal coat.
• Visible longitudinal and transverse cracks.
• Extensive alligator cracking.
• Multiple patches, new and old.
• Noticeable rutting.

Our strategy is to maximize our funds for the broadest positive impact. We categorize streets into three groups: those needing preventive maintenance like slurry seals, those requiring more comprehensive paving, and those that demand full reconstruction. Although your street might not be on the current plan, rest assured, our goal is to improve every street in Petaluma.

Recent major projects include:

• N. McDowell Boulevard (Sunrise Parkway to Old Redwood Highway)
• Garfield Drive
• Petaluma Boulevard South
• Maria Drive
• Sonoma Mountain Parkway

We're also excited about upcoming paving projects near several local schools, enhancing safety and accessibility for our young residents.

It’s no secret that through the years Petaluma roads have earned a reputation for being less than smooth. Well, it’s time for a change! Thank you to the Petaluma community for supporting the passage of Measure U - a 1-cent sales tax that stays local and works for our community. 

Since Measure U began generating local funding in April 2021 through the end of 2030, the City will have invested $70 million in our streets. Measure U funds have been instrumental in enhancing road quality, bolstering public safety, and supporting the city's overall infrastructure goals. Petaluma’s commitment to road and infrastructure improvements will continue as the city leverages Measure U funding to support additional public safety and transportation initiatives. 

Our city streets have a long road to recovery but thanks to Measure U, and residents like you, we are on our way! 

Explore the interactive map on this webpage to see what we’ve done so far what's to come.