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1. What are the pros and cons of asphalt vs. concrete?

Concrete typically lasts longer. The City completes overlay concrete with asphalt if the concrete is in fair condition.

2. What’s the difference between light maintenance and preventative maintenance?

Light maintenance includes action such as crack seals, slurry seals, conventional seals and thin overlays. All of these measures are also preventative maintenance.

3. Who prepares the maps outlining street repair needs?

The Public Works Department prepares maps for outlining street repair.

4. How long do street projects typically take to complete?

Completion is contingent upon the complexity of the project. Crack sealing may take a few hours to complete while a reconstruction will take several weeks.

5. Are all projects surveyed before major repairs or reconstruction is completed?

All projects are surveyed before and during construction projects. The level of surveying depends on the extent of the reconstruction.

6. How much does the City spend sealing cracks annually?

The City budgets $150,000 per year for crack sealing.

7. What is an overlay?

An overlay occurs when asphalt is layered over an existing roadway.

8. Why do potholes not always get repaired?

Potholes can develop very quickly and it is not possible for the City to monitor every street in town. The Public Works Department should be contacted if one observes a pothole in need of repair. While the City works hard to fill all potholes, this step is just a temporary fix.

9. What’s the average life expectancy of a street?

While several factors influence the life of a street, the typical life span is 30-40 years.

10. Is there a plan for gutter maintenance?

The Public Works Department sweeps gutters with the street sweeper. After heavy rains, street department forces unclog drains. The code enforcement officer also alerts homeowners about the importance of removing leaves and grass clippings from the gutters.

11. Does the City require road smoothness criteria or specs similar to KDOT?

The City does not have smoothness specs similar to KDOT.