Amherst: 27.7 square miles, 133 miles of roadway
The Select Board, keepers of the public way, received a technical briefing from the Department of Public Works last night and the take away was pretty sobering. To repair all the roads in town this year would cost almost $30 million.
But the current plan is to spend only $1.5 million this year and another $2.2 million over the next four years. Or a total of just under $4 million over five years. The state will do Belchertown Road (Rt9) to the tune of $1.8 million in 2019.
Pavement Condition Index (1-100) higher number is better
Thus bringing the total backlog down to "only" $22.5 million or so. Except of course for the additional repair work that will be generated by normal wear and tear over the next five years.
Consultant (StreetScan) used hi tech van with ground penetrating radar, microphones, cameras to scan roads
The Select Board also voted to approve a roundabout for Triangle/East Pleasant Street that will certainly be well over $1 million to construct but DPW Chief Guilford Mooring ducked the question about financing the project.
And it was also pointed out that North Amherst Village Center intersection will simultaneously be fighting for funding as well.
Who would have thought pavement could generate such excitement?
Did your road make the list?