Street Rehabilitation and
Reconstruction Program Information


Who
is doing the work?
The Street Maintenance Program is budgeted under the Transportation Sales Tax Fund. (see Definitions)
An ad requesting bids is placed and after the bids are received, the City chooses a contractor to perform the work. An inspector from the Community Development Department is on site to monitor the contractor's work on a day to day basis. Feel free to contact Community Development at 436-2200 for the name of this inspector if you should have any questions throughout the project.

What is going to be done?
The streets are generally scheduled for either Mill & Overlay or Full Depth Replacement. (see Definitions) Which type of work is to be done depends on the subsurface materials of the existing roadway.

Where will they be working?
All the work for the Street Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program is performed in the Right-of-Way. (see Definitions) If it is necessary for the contractor to come onto your property or storm materials outside the City Right-of-Way, they will obtain special permission from the homeowner.

When will the work begin and end?
The construction season begins in early spring and continues throughout summer into early winter, weather permitting.
Street reconstruction work is often a lengthy process, and when construction is happening throughout the City, it is sometimes handled assembly line style. Rather than begin work on one street and remain in that location until it is finished, the contractor will begin work on other streets as well. This allows the contractor to take full advantage of having the necessary equipment already in the area. For example, they will complete the milling process on many of the contracted streets then return later and complete the overlay process, then restoration. Performing work in this order also prevents the unnecessary transport of heavy machinery across newly paved roads.

Why is my street being worked on?
When the Street Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program was developed in 1996, all of the streets in Gladstone were taken into consideration. The streets were put onto a list to be used over a period of five years.

A number of factors are looked at in determining which streets become higher priority:
* Condition of the surface material.
* Condition of the sub-grade Material.
* Amount & type of traffic through the area.
* Proximity to other street improvements.

The streets are revisited annually in scheduling the improvements for the coming year. Occasionally, a street will deteriorate more rapidly than expected, allowing it to be moved forward on the list. If you feel your street requires repair, call the Community Development Department to find out if your street is a part of the Five Year Plan. If it is not, please feel free to contact our Community Services Department at 436-5442 to request a work order for the repair.

How will I be notified of construction?
It is the City's policy to notify residents prior to construction. Residents living in a construction zone will receive written notice in the form of a flyer left on or near the front door of the house. They will also be informed if access to their driveway will be temporarily blocked due to curb replacement. Note: If you require special assistance in getting yourself or your packages from your car to your home, feel free to ask the contractor on site, or call ahead to the Community Development Department to arrange special assistance.

Commonly Asked Questions & Answers

Q- Why is there tar/oil on the road?
A- This substance is called the "Tack Coat" and acts as the adhesive for the new asphalt overlay.

Q- How soon can I drive on the new overlay?
A- You may drive over the new asphalt as soon as the roller has passed over it, this will be the same day the overlay process takes place.

Q- Why did they spray water on the road?
A- Water is sometimes sprayed across the road area when weather conditions are dry; the water serves to control the dust from blowing excessively.

Q- How long will my driveway be blocked?
A - After new curbs are poured, they take approximately 4 days to cure; you may drive carefully over them after this time, unless the contractor has indicated otherwise.

Q- Will my mailbox be moved?
A- Generally speaking it is not necessary for mailboxes to be disturbed.

Q- How long does a mill & overlay take?
A- After the road is milled, the contractor will return to complete the overlay within two weeks, provided no problems arise.

Q- Will the contractor seed or sod?
A- The contractor will return to Hydroseed (see Definitions) all disturbed areas during the normal seeding season. After 14 days of watering by the contractor, the homeowner will be responsible for maintaining the seed.

DEFINITIONS:

Transportation Sales Tax Fund: This 1/2 cent sales tax was approved by voters in 1995 and can only be used for transportation related activities. A majority of this fund is used for a variety of street improvements throughout the City.

Mill & Overlay: The term Mill & Overlay refers to the process whereby the top 1"-3" of pavement is removed with a Milling Machine and a 1"-3" layer of asphalt surface material is placed across the existing asphalt.

Full Depth Replacement: The term Full Depth Replacement refers to the process whereby all existing asphalt is removed to subgrade level and replaced with new base material as well as surfacing.

Right-of-Way: The Right-of-Way is that portion of the road and the surrounding property belonging to the City. It consists of the street plus approximately 10 to 15 feet behind the curb.

Hydroseed: This is a seeding method that provides higher quality and faster grass growth. The seed is applied in the form of a liquid spray that combines a fertilizer and mulch with the seed. Hydroseed has a green color.

Tack Coat:
The tack coat is a substance made of oil and tar that acts as an adhesive for the overlay of asphalt. It is recommended that you do not walk on or drive over this substance as it will leave a sticky residue on your shoes or tires.

NOTICE:

CURB AND GUTTER OBSTRUCTIONS

It has come to the attention of the City that some residents have taken it upon themselves to build ramp-like structures to bridge over the curb at their driveways. The presence of these structures, whether they are concrete, asphalt or gravel, defeats the purpose of the curb and gutter by blocking the flow of storm water, thus undermining the Street Reconstruction Program.

Therefore, any improvements which adversely impact the drainage of the existing or proposed curb and gutter sections will be prohibited. This includes any type of "ramp" built over the gutter section of the curb for ease of access to residential drives. Construction of such improvements is in violation of City of Gladstone Ordinances. Should any such obstructions be construction on the curb and gutter, removal will be at the owners expense. Existing "ramps" will not be repaired or replaced if damage occurs during the reconstruction of the street. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy please contact Mr. Jerry Menefee, Director of Community Services, at 436-5442.

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