The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors approved an amended roadway stabilization policy for local service roads last week that added two options to its current policy, which previously provided only for paving.
Local service roads are unpaved easement roads that are generally no more than a half-mile in length.
The processes approved at the board’s Oct. 14 meeting were “double chip seal,” which is similar to paving but not as durable, and PolyPavement, which is an environmentally friendly chemical that stabilizes a dirt road so that it does not generate as much dust.
The estimated life of paving is about 20 years, compared with 10 to 12 years for double chip seal and three years for PolyPavement.
ITID Engineer Jay Foy said that the policy adds the two options for roadway stabilization in addition to paving.
“All this is doing is adding two options to the stabilization policy,” Foy said. “It’s 100 percent funded by the residents who want it.”
Supervisor Ralph Bair asked what the policy is if the base material is unsatisfactory for stabilization, and Foy said that if the base is insufficient in its current condition and needs enhancement to put the stabilization down, the district will provide it, but only as it falls on the district’s 35-year enhancement cycle.
“We’re willing to provide that, but the cycle may be 20 years from now,” Foy said. “If you want a base that is up to the stability to pave the surface, and if you’re not on the schedule for another 30 years, you’re going to wait 30 years to get your pavement, unless you’re willing to pay for it.”
Supervisor Gary Dunkley pointed out that if residents choose to stabilize their road, it means less maintenance for the district.
“It’s a wash, really,” said Dunkley, who made a motion to approve the amended policy, which carried 4-0 with Supervisor Michelle Damone away from the dais.
A simple majority of the property owners having primary access to the road can petition the board to have enhanced surface stabilization, and the petition must identify the stabilization process desired. The design and specifications must be approved by ITID’s engineer.
Any road considered for enhanced surface stabilization must be determined to have suitable road base and drainage swales.
ABOVE: The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors.
