Report: More City Streets Falling Apart

The condition of San Diego's streets and paved alleys deteriorated over the past decade, according to a report to be delivered to the City Council's Land Use and Housing Committee on Wednesday.

According to a survey commissioned by the city's Transportation and Storm Water Department, San Diego's 2,800 miles of paved streets and 200-plus miles of paved alleys earned an overall rating of 57.6 out of 100, compared to 67 in 2001. The score is below other major cities in California.

A street in good condition has a rating of at least 70. A figure between 40 and 69 means a street is in fair condition. Below 40 is poor.

The survey conducted between March and June of this year found that 35 percent of the roads and alleys were in good condition, compared to 49 percent 10 years earlier.

The portion of streets in poor condition climbed from 9 percent in 2001 to 25 percent, according to the study.

The latest survey was the first to assess all 2,800 miles of paved streets and more than 200 miles of paved alleys. According to the report, previous studies looked at about 50 percent of the roadways.

Mayor Jerry Sanders and the City Council embarked on an extensive repaving program this year to improve road conditions, but department interim Director Garth Sturdevan said a multi-year effort is needed to improve city streets.

-City News Service