Gary, Indiana with First Group

Cyvl partnered with First Group Engineering to assess 590 miles of Gary, Indiana’s infrastructure, forming the basis for a 10-year improvement plan. The project targeted roadway enhancements alongside watermains, sidewalks, sewers, and other critical infrastructure.

Challenge

The City of Gary faced a significant challenge in managing and maintaining its aging infrastructure, as there was no existing inventory or accurate assessment of the condition of roads, sidewalks, signs, or underground infrastructure. This lack of baseline data hindered effective planning, leading to uncoordinated repairs and mounting costs. To address these pain points, Cyvl’s technology was leveraged to provide a detailed and actionable understanding of current asset conditions.

Solution

Cyvl deployed its state-of-the-art LiDAR and imaging sensors to conduct a thorough inventory and assessment of key assets across Gary’s extensive network. The project involved collecting and cataloging data on:

• • 20,578 MUTCD signs, accurately mapped and inventoried to support federal grant applications for SS4A and HSIP funding.
  • Detailed pavement condition assessments using PASER scores (ranging from 1-10), forming the cornerstone of an asset management plan to position the city for Indiana Community Crossing Grant Funding.
  • Sidewalk condition assessments, providing critical data for coordinated maintenance and accessibility improvements.
  • High-resolution 2D and 360-degree imagery of roadways, enabling detailed asset visualization for planning and prioritization.

The data collection process utilized Cyvl’s advanced sensors mounted on vehicles traversing the 590 miles of Gary’s road network. The comprehensive data captured during the assessment phase was processed and analyzed to provide city planners and engineers with the insights needed for effective decision-making.

Results

1. Comprehensive Asset Inventory and Documentation:
   • 20,578 MUTCD signs and created a detailed database of pavement scores, sidewalks, and key infrastructure to support targeted maintenance and funding applications.
2. Pavement Condition Assessment with PASER Ratings:
   • Provided a clear benchmark for current road conditions, enabling a phased plan for roadway improvements over the next decade.
3. Enhanced Planning and Budget Allocation:
   • Data-driven prioritization based on road importance and PASER scores, ensuring equitable funding distribution and maximizing city ROI.
4. Sustainability and Broader Goals Alignment:
   • Supports city initiatives like “Road Diets” to narrow wide roads, reducing sewer drainage overflow, and protecting Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes.

Implementation

Cyvl and First Group Engineering used advanced sensors to capture high-resolution 2D and 360-degree imagery and geospatial data across 590 miles of roads over several weeks. This assessment documented assets, pavement conditions, and sidewalks, forming the data-driven basis for Gary’s 10-year improvement strategy.

Impact

Cyvl’s partnership with First Group Engineering marks a pivotal step in transforming Gary, Indiana’s infrastructure. By providing key asset insights and a comprehensive improvement plan, the project aims to boost PASER ratings within five years. Targeted maintenance and resource allocation will enhance safety, sustainability, and protection of regional natural resources.