A recent study from Montgomery County found one-third of the county’s residential roads are in poor or very poor condition.
The poor roads report comes on the heels of a County Council study that says Montgomery road projects are costing about 50 percent more than initially budgeted and taking almost three years longer than planned to complete.
But even with a $400 million projected budget deficit looming, Montgomery County transportation officials say they are hoping to switch to a new method of resurfacing roads that is five times as costly as the current method.
Tom Pogue, community relations manager for the Department of Public Works and Transportation, said the county currently fixes most roads by filling potholes, then pouring gravel on top of repairs and then sealing it with a thin layer of asphalt. According to Pogue, the office receives many complaints from residents about road quality, even after roads have been resurfaced, because of the economical resurfacing process.
“It involves dust, loose gravel and when you’re all done it is a little rougher than a brand-new road,” Pogue said. “People who rollerblade or bike-ride are not always satisfied.”
County Executive Ike Leggett‘s capital improvement budget calls for repaving most roads in the future with a process that involves dumping a thicker layer of asphalt over the entire road. Problem is, it costs five times as much and given the expense, roads may not be repaired as often. Officials say, however, if the new method is used, roads will not need as much resurfacing.
State officials say they are aware of the county’s difficulties and are looking into local road problems but cannot promise additional funding at this time.
“Montgomery County is one of the most dynamic economic engines of the state and is experiencing a lot of growth that is clearly stressing the local transportation system,” secretary of transportation John Porcari said.
