CAI-NJ March 2021

In-depth Road Inspections – Programs & Budgets for Community Managers By Charles Witczak, PE, PP, PLS, Witczak Engineering ROADWAY AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

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I f you manage a community with an extensive number of roadways, sidewalks and, parking spaces, having a Roadway and Infrastructure Development Program creat- ed is a must. An engineer conducts a detailed inspection and prepares a report outlining the often-overlooked road- way elements of the community. This report can also work as an extension of your existing reserve study. It ensures that the right projects are done at the right time to save the community from costly emergency expenditures. Oftentimes, when the engineer discovers an isolated issue – it may later become an emergency because it is part of a bigger, underlying problem. When the issue becomes an emergency – the consequence is a great deal

of pressure on the property manager and a higher cost to fix. Having an engineer involved early on is especially important because they understand that there can be poten- tially more underlying issues and defects underground. They know how to fix and prevent these issues. There may be multiple causes of the problem that can be resolved in a more comprehensive project. It could also avoid exposure and liability to the community. To circumvent major underlying issues, it is imperative to take a proactive approach by performing roadway, infrastructure, and drainage studies. It includes a detailed inspection of the entire complex; roads, drainage, con- crete, sidewalks, other amenities such as basketball or

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