Gravel roads may return to suburban Ottawa

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I saw an article today that may remain a bit under the radar, but it is interesting enough to copy it here, given that it has an impact on cycling. Here is the article:

Gravel roads may return to suburban Ottawa

Cost for road maintenance out of control, city looks for alternatives

As pothole season is in full swing, the City of Ottawa is contemplating turning some roads back to a gravel and stonedust surface.

We are all too familiar with it. When the spring freeze and thaw cycle hits, potholes the size of swimming pools appear on Ottawa’s roads. But next year, we might see a different type of road. A road that might remind you of your childhood years in cottage country.

“Repaving a road is a very expensive exercise”, says Keith Mullen from the City’s road department. “Not only do we spend millions and millions on resurfacing, which only lasts half a decade anyway, we also spend an absolute fortune on pothole repair. This year we even had to bring in extra machines as we just can’t keep up.”

“We have to look at value for money for the taxes that hard working Canadians pay, and repaving roads is not always the best choice”, he says.

“Residents are buying heavier and heavier vehicles to get to Costco, drop off kids, visit their parents-in-law and generally enjoy the luxury of large vehicles”, says professor Ahmed Delaroche, a road surface researcher at Ottawa U. “Hotter summers also help ruining asphalt faster. You only have to look at some of the bus stops where the road is completely damaged from the traction of the bus tires.”

The city is now looking into turning back to gravel roads, even in some suburban neighbourhoods. “We are particularly looking at some older Barrhaven neighbourhoods that are up for renewal”, says Deirdre James, project manager of the suggested pilot program. “When I grew up, we would just had a grader come by once a year and everything was in tiptop shape again”, recalling font memories of her childhood.

“Citizens’ initiatives would be very welcome too. Every street has that handy person with a shed full of tools. If we turn back to gravel and stone dust, citizens can repair their own road again with simple tools such as a shovel and a rake, without having to call 311 for yet another pothole”, adds Keith Mullen.

“I think it is a great idea”, says Bee Applebaum, who lives in Barrhaven. “I’d love to see my husband get out of the house a bit more. He is watching way too much curling. Even reruns, for Pete’s sake! I think he would love to do his part to make the city streets great again”. Her neighbour Boris is less convinced. “I am worried that my Tesla will get very dusty in the summer. On the other hand, it will probably obscure the fact it is a Tesla”, he adds laughing.

City council will vote later this month on staff’s proposal, that will be accompanied with a promotion and information campaign once approved.