RANDOLPH, NJ — Randolph Township has implemented an artificial intelligence-powered road assessment program that officials say will improve the speed and accuracy of infrastructure maintenance across the municipality.
The township is using a platform called Vialytics, which uses a smartphone app mounted to a vehicle windshield to automatically detect potholes, cracks, and other roadway defects as crews drive through town.
Tom Sweeny, Randolph's Director of Public Works, said the system represented a significant upgrade from the township's previous manual approach.
"In the past we would only see 419 roads and estimate how many potholes per road — this system here captures 90,000 points of interest in that survey of all the roads in town," Sweeny said. "It is picking up potholes, cracks."
Sweeny said crews drove every road in Randolph between March 26 and 28, covering both sides of each road to capture signage, storm drains, and manholes. "Easily three days was able to capture the whole town, which was a very big time saver for us," he said.
The data is already informing this year's paving schedule. Randolph is targeting 30 roads — approximately 6.38 miles — for paving in 2025, with the AI assessment helping determine which roads to prioritize.
Sweeny said the system will also allow year-over-year comparisons. Once roads are paved, crews will re-drive and reassess them, updating the system to track changes in road quality over time.
The township said the program reflects a broader commitment to modernizing municipal operations. "Randolph continues to move forward with innovation, efficiency, and a clear focus on maintaining the infrastructure our community depends on every day," officials said.
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Randolph, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.