Wet weather causing delays in roadwork
IN THE CITY
by James F. Kaiser
This summer has certainly been an interesting one. Not only has the Public Works Department become a division of the new Public Services Department, but it has seen two retirements and the appointment of a new deputy director.
In addition Public Services crews have had to deal with the wettest summer in memory!
Many of the jobs we do can’t be done in the rain. Cement work in catch basins is impossible if running water is present as is some culvert work. Grading can’t be done if the ground is too wet or if there is water in the pot holes. This just makes mud that is cast out by the first vehicle to drive through it, leaving the hole again. The same is true for patching, the patch won’t stay if there is water in the hole, and chip sealing and paving roads is not done in the rain..
Because of the extremely wet weather, we have had a lot of catch basins needing repair and storm damage has been extremely high. Some of the gravel roads that are usually done once or twice a year have been done four or five times and need it again. Even so, compared to some of the surrounding communities we have been very fortunate.
We are making headway and ask for just a little patience. If you have a complaint. Just let us know and you can be assured we will do what we can to fix the problem.
James F. Kaiser is interim director of the Public Works division of the Public Services Department. He can be reached at 764-2560 or e-mail him at ljmichaud@mfx,net.
