Winnipeg, MB - To improve the condition of the City's gravel back lanes, the Public Service is asking Council to amend the Granular Roadway Policy so that it better reflects current maintenance treatments and alternative strategic repair options for the renewal of granular lanes.
The Policy was last amended 25 years ago and did not address best practices. The proposed new policy would include specific clauses added to the Public Works Department’s Gravel Road Maintenance Manual regarding maintenance and upgrading of granular lanes, particularly:
- Options to upgrade granular lanes including complete replacement options for granular lanes including upgrades to drainage;
- Review of best practices from other cities;
- Consultation and approval with Ward Councillors on granular back lane priorities;
- A monthly report to Ward Councillors in the spring, summer and fall through the Community Committee meetings on schedules and progress reports that can be posted on Councillor websites
The Department also recommends consideration of a Local Improvement, regarding granular lane(s) as determined through an asset management analysis and consultation with Ward Councillors when one or more granular back lanes are in poor condition and/or beyond their intended service life.
Recommendations also include adding the use of asphalt paving, where appropriate as concrete paving is the only current option in the local improvement process. Typically, asphalt paving costs less than concrete paving.
The report will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works Tuesday, October 29, 2013.