Pavement Condition Index (PCI)
Pavement represents one of the largest capital investments in the Massachusetts aviation system and maintaining the pavement condition is important for both cost-effectiveness and safety. The Aeronautics Division monitors statewide airport pavement condition through the airport pavement management system (APMS). The APMS system provides the airports, MassDOT Aeronautics, and the Federal Aviation Administration with the pavement condition information and analytical tools that enable them to identify pavement-related needs, optimize the selection of projects and treatments over a multi-year period, and evaluate the long-term impacts of project priorities. Timely airport pavement preventative maintenance is essential because of the fiscal considerations related to pavement deterioration, rehabilitation, or reconstruction. Airport pavement weaknesses, such as cracks and loose debris, pose a significant safety risk, and pavement rehabilitation costs increase as conditions deteriorate.
The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) scale ranges from a value of 0 (representing a pavement in a failed condition) to a value of 100 (representing a pavement in excellent condition). Airport pavement rated at a PCI of 70 or higher is classified as “good” in its condition. In FY22, the average PCI rating increased from 70.8 to 71, meeting the threshold of “good” condition. While there is some improvement, additional investment is needed in airport pavement to achieve a higher PCI rating.
