Streets
The City of Ozark established a computerized Pavement Management System in 2002 to provide a management program for scheduling appropriate maintenance or reconstruction of city streets in the proper time frame to extend their overall expected life cycle most efficiently and economically. Street pavement has the shortest life cycle of all public infrastructure systems. This is primarily due to extreme physical abuse from frequent and heavy traffic and exposure to harsh environmental elements. See the videos below explaining Pavement Management Systems and pavement life cycles. Click this link for a report of the latest evaluation of the condition of the City of Ozark’s streets.
Pavement Management Systems
Pavement Life Cycles
Under the pavement management program, the physical condition of all city street surfaces is evaluated and rated by the type, severity, and quantity of existing deficiencies. They are then rated with a numerical value. This information determines street priorities and maintenance options that will provide the most economical long-term benefit. The City may choose from different street maintenance procedures when planning street repairs. Please click on this link for details on pavement maintenance procedures. The traffic volume for each street is also taken into consideration. Another factor for scheduling maintenance is whether utility repair/replacement is required before reconstructing a street.
The question often asked is, "Why spend money on a good road when the one I drive on the most is falling apart?" An appropriate answer to this question is that it costs less to keep good roads good than to allow them to deteriorate, which leads to reconstruction or rehabilitation. Not enough funding is available to continue the "worst first" way of doing things. Following the "worst first" approach, the backlog of roads that need major rehabilitation and reconstruction continues to grow. The only way to get out from under the avalanche of deteriorating pavements is to stop the deterioration rate by applying less costly preventive maintenance treatments. That is, by implementing a preservation program. Research has shown that for every dollar spent on preservation, we save six to ten dollars that would have to be spent on rehabilitation or reconstruction down the road. In summary, a pavement preservation program is a proactive approach to maintaining streets using low-cost preventive maintenance treatments. Moving from a worst-first strategy to one of preservation will ensure we get the most from the limited resurfacing dollars available. Click on link below for a video explaining the benefits of preventive maintenance.
Various agencies have maintenance responsibilities for streets within the city limits of Ozark. MoDOT maintains the numbered and lettered highways, including Business 65. The City of Ozark and Ozark Special Road District have assigned maintenance responsibilities within the transportation service area of Ozark. This assignment is indicated on the street ownership map.
Driveways/Street Cuts
A Public Works Right-of-Way Permit with a deposit is required to construct a new driveway apron or accomplishing utility work within the public right-of-way. The Public Works Department must approve a driveway plan before issuing the permit. Public Works approval and permit will also be required to cut into a city street for utility connections or repairs.
Traffic Signs
For all traffic signs, submit a Request For Traffic Sign Install/Replace. The Police Department, the Public Works Department, and the Engineering Department will review the request. The requester will be notified of the results of this review process. Stop Signs shall not be used for speed control. The City of Ozark does not install "Children at Play" signs. All sign installations shall comply with standard engineering practices and the latest Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices edition.
Traffic Counts
The City of Ozark conducts traffic counts on roadways within the city limits. These traffic counts may be viewed at the Planning & Development department counter. If the desired count is unavailable, a new count may be requested on the Request for a Traffic Count Form.
Street Lighting Overview
Streetlights in the City of Ozark are typically only approved for intersections and at the ends of cul-de-sacs. Street lighting within the public right-of-way is defined as a traffic-safety function as opposed to a security function. Liberty Utilities maintains and installs street lights in the City of Ozark. Malfunctioning street lights need to be reported to Liberty Utilities using their General Inquiries Form. Each location reported will be evaluated for potential repair/replacement.