A significant factor is the city's declining Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which measures street quality on a scale from 0 (bare ground) to 100 (brand new pavement).
KCK's PCI is measured every four years. In 2018, the city's PCI was 56 (at-risk). By 2025 it declined to 48 (poor). Lower PCI means more cracks and pavement distress, which combine with water and traffic to form potholes.
The appearance of potholes has increased as PCI has declined. Consider the number of potholes patched in recent years:
- 2019 - 18,575
- 2020 - 26,455 (42% increase from 2019)
- 2021 - 28,573 (8% increase from 2020)
- 2022 - 28,208 (-1.3% from 2021)
- 2023 - 37,108 (37,108 from 2022)
- 2024 - 41,941 (13% from 2023)
While these growing numbers partly reflect improved patching efficiencies and new equipment (like "Patchy" the spray patching vehicle), it's not a good sign overall - the increase shows the city's roads are deteriorating faster than they can be repaired. Without increased maintenance, repaving, and reconstruction efforts, potholes will remain a persistent problem.
What is the PCI Goal?
A PCI of 75 is generally preferred, as it provides a safe, smooth, and low-maintenance ride for motorists. KCK's goal PCI is to reach 65 by 2045. Improving the PCI will reduce road distress and, in turn, help cut down on the formation of potholes.