Laying down new pavement along Lexington streets is something that often interests both citizens and Council members representing residents. Members of the Council’s Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee got an update this week. Responding to a question about when new asphalt comes into play, Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen said it varies quite a bit.
“It has to do with traffic count and for example, an arterial road could be five to seven years whereas a local road, we’re probably more in the 25-year range and collectors fall somewhere in-between,” said Allen.
Arterials in Lexington would be roads like Nicholasville and Harrodsburg roads. Local roads would include neighborhood streets. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton’s proposed budget calls for $14 million in paving. That’s up from some years in the past when the figure was about $10 million.
Environmental Quality and Public Works Commissioner Nancy Albright said asphalt pricing is partly tied to the price of oil. Council Member Dave Sevigny asked Albright about how much of an impact that carries.
“Are we usually getting a fixed price per paving mile for a whole season or does it vary by month depending on the way the oil prices range? Asked Sevigny
“They are allowed to ask for an adjustment once a month. They generally ask for one about twice a year, unless it’s really volatile,” responded Albright.
Asked about summertime projects in Lexington, Albright said paving along Limestone north of Main Street will hopefully be done. Also, Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen said Man O War will be repaved from Nicholasville Road to Saron Drive in the next few months.
Lexington Environmental Quality and Public Works is a contributor to Weku.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
