The city of Syracuse's 2024 road reconstruction plans need a better coordinated, data-driven approach, City Auditor Alexander Marion said in a report released Tuesday.

The report outlines the city's decision-making process for the reconstruction program of $8 million and offers suggestions to improve the use of data, extend the life of roads, and improve the public's understanding.

"There's no shortage of necessary road paving projects throughout Syracuse, but a better coordinated, data-driven approach would improve outcomes and understanding for everyone," Marion said in a statement. "Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians rely on high-quality roads to get around every day. Let's take the bumps out of the process and give Syracusans the smooth ride they deserve."

The city gives the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) criteria to determine what roads it should repave each year. SMTC uses that formula to develop a priority structure. The city then takes that model under advisement but does not clearly explain how it ultimately selects the roads it paves each year. The auditor found nearly half of roads on the city's 2024 plan deviate from the SMTC recommendations.

The city does not often complete its full plan each year, finishing about 70% of the streets it pledged to last year, Marion said. His report also found inconsistency in charges billed to property owners for slurry sealing and sweeping charges.

The new report outlines a series of recommendations to improve the road reconstruction process, including providing SMTC with more and better data to guide their ratings and sticking to their recommendations. Also, developing a multi-year reconstruction plan that coordinates infrastructure work between departments and outside contractors.

Mayor Ben Walsh's administration issued a response to the report, where they committed to drafting and presenting to the Common Council a new ordinance to hold contractors responsible for road cuts and other work done in city streets. They pledged to present the ordinance before the council this summer.