Marshall County Highway Dept. edplays AI technology to improve road maintenance

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1:30 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Marshall County Highway Department is leveraging new artificial intelligence technology to revolutionize how it monitors and maintains county roads, officials announced during this week's County Council meeting.

The department has implemented Vialytics, an AI-powered road management system that automatically assesses road conditions and generates detailed reports as highway drivers travel their regular routes. The technology marks a significant upgrade from the county's previous assessment method.

The move from the PASER System, which relied on individual judgment, to an AI system that provides consistent, data-driven assessments, and provides invaluable information for the county’s highway department for daily and routine maintenance planning.

The technology discussion came alongside a review of the department's impressive winter readiness capabilities. Highway Superintendent Jason Peters reported that the county can deploy up to 27 highway trucks when severe weather strikes.

"I was surprised to learn we had that many trucks ready to roll when needed," said Councilman Jim Masterson, who serves on the Highway Subcommittee. "It shows the department's commitment to keeping our roads safe and accessible."

During the subcommittee meeting, Peters reviewed budget projections and discussed plans to purchase additional vehicles while maintaining backup units to ensure continuous service capability.

The combination of advanced technology and robust equipment positions Marshall County to better serve residents through improved road maintenance and efficient emergency response.