A contractor with the Cortez Public Works Department will drive city streets next week with a vehicle-mounted camera to gather data on road conditions.

Beginning March 29, a contractor with iWorQ Systems will gather a camera collection and inventory to provide crucial data for the city’s pavement assessment program, according to a news release.

The camera, with a clear street-level view, will also provide georeferencing of the city’s assets.

This will be the first time the city has used this technology, according to Cortez Public Works Director Philip Johnson.

The camera’s artificial intelligence will protect citizens’ privacy by automatically blurring out faces, license plates and any other identifying information it captures.

“It gives us an overarching understanding of all the road conditions,” Johnson told The Journal. “It’ll help us prioritize where we spend our funds.”

According to Johnson, the city has pulled back from some larger projects because of financial uncertainty created by a backlog of financial audits.

“It gives us an organic look at the state of our infrastructure,” Johnson said. “We’re not unlike any other jurisdiction, in that we have a lot streets that need work and a limited amount of money.”

The city entered into its contract with iWorQ Systems last year.

anicotera@the-journal.com