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MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS PLANNED FOR 2007 CONSTRUCTION SEASON
Some inner city streets are being reconstructed this year as part of an ongoing effort by the city to address streets needing reconstruction using Community Development Block Grant money.
The following reconstruction projects are planned for 2007:
Spruce Street (Wilson Street to Hall Street)
Laurel Street (Lincoln Street to Wilson Street)
Central Street (Lincoln Street to WIlson Street)
Cedar Street (Wilson Street to Belmont Street)
Belmont Street (Spruce Street to Massabesic Street)
The following streets will be cold-planed and resurfaced:
Union Street (Hanover Street to Bridge Street)
South Willow Street (Andrea Drive to South Porter Street)
Laurel Street (Wilson Street to Hall Street)
Spruce Street (Hall Street to Massabesic Street) |
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Reconstructing a street is a major undertaking, involving a variety of equipment, skilled personnel and the cooperation of the various public utilities.
The life expectancy of a reconstructed street is approximately 20 years.
Once a street has been reconstructed, it is considered by the City to be under an Excavation Moratorium for five years. During this time, excavation permits will not be issued and digging in the street will not be allowed except for emergencies.
Any street excavated during a moratorium is subject to special street restoration measures which may include, but is not limited to infrared treated seams.
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Street Resurfacing
All streets that are requested for resurfacing are rated, measured and estimated. In addition to the rating, other criteria that is taken into consideration such as whether the street is a main artery or a collector road.
Funding is also critical. The dollar amount allocated for street resurfacing pays for the materials only. Streets are submitted to the department for consideration in three ways:
1. Aldermanic Request
2. Residential Request
3. Departmental Request
All Utilities are notified of the department's intent to resurface a particular street and are given a reasonable amount of time to respond to our notification. If a utility notifies us that they contemplate working in a street, work is usually postponed until they complete their task. In several instances, the department will place a shim coat of pavement on the street prior to a utility doing their work. Every effort is made to coordinate the resurfacing with the utilities so final pavement is not placed until all work is complete.
When a street has been resurfaced an excavation moratorium is placed on that street. The moratorium restricts excavations, except for emergencies, for a period of three years.
Streets under Excavation Moratorium
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Street Patching
The City has one full time patching crew that responds to complaints. Whenever a pothole develops, the patching crew places hot asphalt (in the summer) or cold patch (in the winter) in the hole so the road surface is ride able and the structural integrity of the road is not compromised any further. During severe winter conditions, numerous potholes can develop and then, as time and conditions warrant, another or even two other crews will be utilized to supplement this operation.
In addition to patching potholes, the crew also patches small departmental ditches as well as around sewer and drainage structures that have been raised in conjunction with street reconstruction and/or resurfacing. In addition, during road reconstruction projects this crew also patches in front of newly installed granite curb.
Report a Pothole
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Street Sweeping
Street sweeping is an integral part of street maintenance. Street sweeping has a dual purpose:
1. Provide a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance for residents and visitors
2. Prevent materials from clogging catch basin and or drainage system.
Street sweeping begins in the spring as soon as weather permits and continues for approximately 36 weeks or until adverse weather conditions terminate the operation in the late fall.
Streets are swept in conjunction with the odd/even parking while that is in effect. In some instances, streets have to be posted so residential parking will not impede the sweeping operation.
Elm Street is generally swept 3 times per week. The streets basically between Auburn Street and Webster Street, and Commercial Street to Pine Street swept twice a week.
The streets between Valley Street and Webster Street, and Pine Street to Maple Street on the Eastside, and between Turner Street and Dubuque Street, and Cleveland Street to Amory Street on the Westside are swept once a month.
All other streets are swept at least 3 times per year.
Streets are also swept prior to resurfacing, during Street Reconstruction and, in some instances, after accidents.
School yards are swept in the springtime, usually during school vacations or Saturdays.
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