Many of you have expressed your
concerns about the condition of our roads. We wanted to take this
opportunity to bring you up to date on the ongoing work that is taking
place.
First, we share your concern that many of our roads are
not in good condition. When you drive around our community you see a
wide range of conditions. Roads that have been recently paved are in
good condition. Those that have not been done for a few years have
either potholes, repaired potholes, sections that are breaking down, or
all three. Some less traveled, shorter roads, have been in need of
repair for some time.
Each year, a percentage of our budget goes
to road upkeep. This year, the original estimate was far greater than
the available funds. Then the difficult task began of deciding which
roads get done and which ones do not. The most deteriorated and most
traveled roads were chosen. Obviously, residents that are living on the
roads that are done are happy and the others are not. Some shorter,
less traveled roads, that could have used paving were not even included
on the original list. It is obvious that we are falling further behind
in our road upkeep.
To take a more complete and long term look at
the road issue, A roads Committee has been formed. The committee will
look at all aspects that affect our roads. For example, the conditions
of the ditches that carry water along the side of the road can have a
major impact. If water is not flowing in the ditch, it will eventually
cause the ground under the road to become wet. When this occurs, the
blacktop becomes unstable. The road is then much more likely to develop
potholes or breakdown altogether. Furthermore, if trees are growing
near or in the ditch, if further retards water flow and keeps the ditch
and the road from drying. Additionally, many of our culvert pipes,
which carry water under our roads, are very old and in need of
replacement. Some of the pipes have already been replaced, with more to
go.
Obviously, the Roads Committee has a lot of work to do. It
is our objective to put together a plan that takes into consideration
all aspects that affect our roads and to get the most out of whatever
funds are spent.
We welcome all input from our fellow residents.
Please use the web site to give us your thoughts and ideas. We
appreciate it.
