New roadways often get the most public attention, but keeping the pavement that’s now in place safe for motorists is another huge, expensive battle for governments — one they can hardly ignore. Officials say the costs to bring Gainesville and Hall County roads up to acceptable standards is about $55 million combined, or about the same amount for a major project, such as Spout Springs Road widening in South Hall. The issue has come up lately as governments talk about the paving programs and the future of a long-held revenue source, the 1-percent special purpose local option sales tax.