City of Utica Update on FY 2025–26 Paving Program

July 1, 2025

Utica, NY — As of July 1, the City of Utica is actively advancing its Fiscal Year 2025–26 paving program with a renewed focus on quality, long-term infrastructure improvements, and responsible use of public resources. With multiple components in motion, the City continues to emphasize accountability, consistency, and efficiency, while maximizing the amount of lane-miles maintained.

Mayor Michael P. Galime states:
“Iteratively improving how we maintain our road infrastructure is part of my Administration’s active work. Step one was last year’s paving assessment (paveutica.com). This year we are utilizing that objective data to implement a new program that includes reconstruction, mill & fill, major repairs, mass road maintenance, and a new DPW-based pothole crew to start from scratch on how we take on our road maintenance.”

Key Program Updates

• Pothole Repair Program
  The City is utilizing its own in-house capabilities to perform pothole repairs—now equipped with a hot box and roller for the first time in over a decade. Department of Public Works crews can now deliver longer-lasting patches using proper techniques, marking a significant step forward in efficiency, quality, and cost control.

• Shaw Street Full Reconstruction
  This long-standing and necessary project, the subject of public outcry for years, is now funded and moving forward. This full-depth rebuild addresses long-term needs through subsurface reinforcement left unfinished after major underground infrastructure repairs.

• Micro-Paving for Preventative Maintenance
  A critical, previously missing component of Utica’s maintenance strategy, micro-paving is now being implemented citywide. Designed to preserve roads that are in good structural shape but show surface wear from utility work and weathering, micro-paving applies a polymer-modified overlay, extending road life from 2–3 years to 7–10 years. At one-tenth the cost of mill-and-fill, this technique increases the value of prior investments.

• Roadway Repairs Program
  Following a comprehensive post-winter road condition assessment, the City contracted for targeted, large-scale repairs. This work will address sinkholes, localized road detachments, and other hazards across Utica, with a focus on durable solutions that reduce the need for future interventions.

• Mill & Fill Projects
  This year’s mill-and-fill treatment is reserved for the worst-rated streets (scoring a 5 on the pavement assessment). Roads scoring 2.3–3 will receive micro-paving, while segments in the 3–4 range are scheduled for major repairs. The initial round of bids came in high, prompting a rebid with reduced quantities. The contract was awarded to Heidelberg, which will execute this year’s paving work.

• RoadBotics Assessment by Michelin
  A bi-annual assessment of every road in Utica is now part of the City’s long-term strategy. Full results can be viewed at PaveUtica.com.

Mayor Galime adds:
“By making progressive, incremental changes with a focus on long-term sustainability and efficient use of dollars, we can create a higher standard for ourselves and our contractors. We are ensuring consistency and value across the board. This program isn’t just about fixing roads—it’s about delivering a system that works better, lasts longer, and respects the investment of our taxpayers.”

Residents will continue to receive timely updates regarding construction schedules and traffic impacts. The City appreciates the public’s continued support and patience as work progresses throughout the summer and fall seasons.