Marion County has numerous locations where property owners have placed a “hard” surface on a public roadway adjacent to their property to improve the drivability and reduce dust. Many of these have exceeded their useful life and are in poor repair, requiring their removal or replacement.
Public Works has developed a policy to address removal or replacement of those that are on county maintained gravel roads.
When a section of county maintained gravel road has a hard surface that has been placed by a property owner, and this surface can no longer be maintained, the county will either remove it or work with the property owner to replace it.
If the property owner wishes to replace it, than they can participate in our replacement program. To qualify for this program the section proposed must:
· Be classified as a county road
· Be a minimum of 200 feet in length
· Have a surface placed by the property owner adjacent to his property
The purpose of this replacement program is to allow the residents, in conjunction with the county, to replace the surface on certain roads that would not otherwise be done. Many of these roads are a low priority for the county due to low vehicle counts or travel speed, but are a high priority for the people who live near or travel on them. This program allows residents a way to replace a substandard roadway at a reasonable cost in a timely manner.
The department will allocate approximately $50,000 each year for private oil replacements. The funds are approved on a first-come/first-served basis and available until they are depleted. These funds will be used to pay for the county’s preparation work necessary to bring the subsurface and roadway width up to county standards. Residents will be responsible to cover the cost of the surface and make payment to the county in advance of any work on the roadway.
CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET:
1. Existing Hard Surface
There must be a current hard surface in poor repair on a county maintained gravel road at the time of application for resurfacing. A hard surface includes, but is not limited to: asphalt concrete, Portland cement concrete, emulsified chip seals, or any Macadam surface, such as the 0-9 or 0-11 process.
2. Average Daily Traffic
The road segment must have no more than 400 vehicle trips per day currently or anticipated within the next five years. This number will be determined by Marion County Public Works traffic section.
3. Speed (85th %) Less Than 40 mph
By observation or speed study as determined by the Marion County Public Works staff. The roadway under consideration must have a speed that is 85 percentile less than 40 mph. An 85 percentile is the speed which 85 percent of the vehicles travel at or below at this section.
4. Minimum Stopping Sight Distance
Marion County Public Works staff, as part of the review to consider the eligibility of a roadway segment, will calculate the stopping sight distance for a vehicle traveling on this road segment at the design speed. This is to insure safety of the traveling public.
5. No Accident History In Last 3 Years
Meaning no motor vehicle accidents pertaining to the existing road surface or current road conditions.
6. Minimum Width of New Pavement = 18’ (Shoulder width = 1’ each side)
Road width, shoulder width, and shoulder type are largely determined by the functional classification of the road, sight distance, traffic flow and volume, level of service, design speed of the road, topographical factors, and curvature. Marion County Public Works Department has established minimum travel lane and shoulder widths for these low volume roads. These minimum roadway widths of 18’ were based on research findings from the AASHTO Green Book and augmented with sound engineering judgment by the County Engineer.
7. Minimum Length of New Pavement = 200’
To qualify for the paving of an existing “Private Oil” within the right of way, the County Engineer has determined that the new pavement shall be a minimum of 200 feet in length.
8. Vertical and Horizontal Alignments
Use a smooth grade line with gradual changes, consistent with the character of the gravel road and surrounding terrain. All vertical and horizontal alignments shall all be compatible with the proposed pavement. The minimum length of a vertical curve is controlled by design speed, the requirements for stopping sight distance, and the change in grade. Marion County will not accept horizontal and vertical alignments that have been designed independently. Coordinate them to obtain safety, uniform speed, pleasing appearance, and efficient traffic operation.
9. Split Cost-Share
A property owner may request Public works to resurface an existing section of roadway. If the road is not on the Public Works annual surface management list, an offer will be made to allow the resident, or in conjunction with adjacent neighbors, to participate in the cost sharing program. The Public Works Department will survey the road and provide the requesting residents a cost estimate for their share of the project. If the residents decide to proceed with the project, a Marion County representative will coordinate the work with them.
Property owners shall pay the full cost of the placing of new surface. Property owners who wish to use their credit card for payment (VISA or MasterCard only) must pay in advance. Those paying with check, money order, or cash will be billed after work is complete. Payment will be due 30 days from the date invoice is received. The county will pay for the preparatory work and necessary widening, when needed. Public Works will perform continued maintenance of the new surface.
April 27, 2005