Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

The deterioration of road pavements can be qualitatively measured using the pavement condition index (PCI). The incessant complaints of road users in Enugu State about the state of flexible pavements within the state necessitated this study. Thus, this study evaluated the status of the flexible pavements at selected roads in Enugu State using PCI. The major link roads were categorized into six (6) sections with each section divided into segments of 100m and their state evaluated using PCI as per relevant standards. From analysis of results obtained the mean average PCI value reduced from 53.2 at the first instant of measurement to 27 at the 24th month for trunk A pavements while for the Trunk B pavements, the reduction was from 48.9 to 25.9. The percentage reduction in PCI from 53.2 to 27 for Trunk A pavement results in a percentage reduction of 49.25% while the reduction from 48.9 to 25.9 results to a percentage reduction of 46.97%.  This indicates that the pavement condition of Trunk B pavement would be left worse off when both pavements are subjected to their standardized traffic and environmental condition. The deterioration rate between trunk A and B was from 3.01% after the first month to 49.25% after the end of 24th month and 2.41 to 46.9% respectively. This implies that Trunk B pavement will feel more impact when subjected to standardized traffic loading conditions.  Although the rating of the pavement for the entirety of PCI measurement fell between poor and very poor, annual assessment of road pavement condition of the road network in Enugu state was recommended to ascertain the level of road pavement deterioration and for purposes of budgetary planning and timely rehabilitation strategies in terms of road prioritization.