North Bend uses AI-assisted technology to assess city streets

March 25, 2026 - 02:29

The City of North Bend has completed a groundbreaking, citywide scan of its roadway network utilizing advanced artificial intelligence. This initiative marks the first phase of a new five-year contract dedicated to modernizing infrastructure management.

Specialized vehicles equipped with high-definition cameras and sensors recently traversed every public street, collecting millions of detailed images and data points. The core innovation lies in the subsequent analysis: AI software meticulously examines this information to automatically identify and classify pavement distresses, including cracks, potholes, and surface degradation. This process generates a precise, objective condition rating for every street segment.

This data-driven approach represents a significant shift from traditional, manual visual inspections. Officials state the AI-assisted system provides a consistent, comprehensive baseline inventory of pavement health with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The resulting detailed map and condition report will directly inform the city’s long-term maintenance planning and capital improvement budgeting.

The goal is to transition from reactive repairs to proactive, strategic preservation of the road network. By precisely pinpointing needs and prioritizing projects based on solid data, the city aims to optimize its infrastructure spending, extend the lifespan of its streets, and ensure taxpayer funds are used as efficiently as possible. The annual scans will allow engineers to track changes over time and measure the effectiveness of maintenance treatments.