ROAD RAGE

Counselor Storch's announcement in his blog that the Kensington Avenue speed bumps had been removed [or in the process of removal] is of utmost interests to this blogger who has frequently written about the condition and upkeep of Plainfield streets...

I am aware that there has been a recent survey which is supposed to be presented for public consumption at the next Council meeting. I look forward with interest to it. But more to the point; to return to Kensington Avenue and its speed bumps.

It has only been a few years since that Street was repaved,  but my memory may be faulty. However, I questioned then  City Administrator Dashield (?) about the advisability of starting a repavement project in the late fall hoping that the weather conditions would not fall to a point where pouring asphalt would be inappropriate. Although, he assured me that the job would be finished long before frost it was not, and the street was left in a mess during the wintertime.

If I remember right there was a conflict with the contractor about finishing the job which a major amount remained. At that time one road contractor  was supposedly going through bankruptcy and it may have been that one. Another contractor was hired to finish the reconstruction. I would presume that it was the second contractor who installed the speed bumps. I would also assume that the engineers employed by the city as part of their contract would have made certain that the installation is proper and met specifications. I would also assume that there was a performance bond file by both contractors and if they were in default on meeting the specifications than the bonding company would be responsible for the repavement. I hope the City did not spend additional funds to finish the work. These questions should be answered.

As another reader has pointed out removing the speed bumps will compromise the integrity of the pavement. I would hope that any replacement bumps also include a satisfactory restoration was joined bonding of the road pavement.

This of course brings up another question. Next week will be October and what is the status of the Roosevelt Avenue and South Ave. projects? More importantly, has there been any movement to repaving another portion of Watchung Avenue.? If not, why not fill the potholes that are now reaching dangerous levels. Since it is unlikely that any pavement will be touched this year we must have at least that temporary compromise to carry over the winter. I would hope that money is not being wasted on cold patch.

There is another street that I travel on frequently and that is a Leland Avenue. The portion from the brook to Front Street I would consider a grade 3 and there to E. 7th St. probably grade 5. From E. 7th St. south to  to Cushing Road is probably still only a  grade 7 or at worse 6 on the Wisconsin scale.

As of today, that last portion of Leland Avenue with proper maintenance could be preserved to serve at a minimum another 10 years. There are scattered deep small potholes that should be repaired hot patching. There are numerous joint and linear cracks that if tarred and would restore that surface. Better would be after the potholes are filled to seal coat the street. There are one or two small areas where the road had been opened and  the city's hot patch equipment would be advisable.

I will be accused of only being concerned with the streets in my Ward(s). That is only because these are roads I  am familiar with. I could also mention Woodland Ave. which was repaved about a decade ago and now is approaching a level 4 due to multiple cuts and no sealing. Likewise Cushing Rd which in one year deteriorated to level 3. This Street presents another problem of responsibility because the municipal border runs down  the middle. I am  using these roads as examples because they are major arteries through our city and give a bad first impression to non residents.

It is indeed past time that we had a knowledgeable Director of Public Works responsible for the maintenance of the city's infrastructure. I hope that in the 2012 budget a better priority and efficiency will be given to the allocation of municipal funds by a competent City Administrator and Director of Public Works . I would also hope that the administration and counsel realize how imperative it is to have a qualified Grant Researcher on board.

We can upgrade what is salvageable at little expense compared to resurfacing. Yet we and other communities ignore what is most efficient.