Use of Low-Cost GPS and Smartphone Sensors Can Cut Road Inspection Costs and Improve Accuracy

Posted: May 20, 2025

Researchers at the University of Colorado Denver developed a low-cost, scalable solution for real-time monitoring of roadway conditions, reducing traditional inspection costs from $429 per mile to near zero by utilizing GPS and smartphone sensors in vehicles. By optimizing maintenance schedules through machine learning and mixed-integer linear programming models, transportation agencies can improve road safety, extend infrastructure lifespan, and potentially reduce maintenance costs by 20% to 30%. This proactive, data-driven approach also minimizes traffic disruptions and enhances resource allocation efficiency.

Moatassem Abdallah, Ph.D.
University of Colorado Denver

Studying the Use of Low-Cost Sensing Devices to Report Roadway Pavement Conditions
MPC-24-565