May 2012 Column - Oil and chipping expected on 225 road miles

The list of oil and chip projects slated for the 2012 construction season was recently made available by the County’s Department of Public Works, and I was pleased to see approximately 59 miles in my district will undergo this process, which prolongs the life of a roadway.

 

The liquid asphalt/stone mixture seals the roadway and prevents potholes from forming and deteriorating the roadway. Through oil and chipping, we can add years onto the life of a road before major reconstruction is necessary. This is a cost-effective method for handling the 1,200 lane miles that the county is responsible for.

 

The DPW prioritized the projects; seven roads in Elma and Marilla are among the first 15 projects. To view the complete list of projects, please click here. The DPW has projected 225 miles will be oil and chipped, however that total may increase or decrease on availability of funds. My office is available to answer any questions you may have about a specific roadway or project.

 

Road projects will continue through the summer and spring, please be cautious when traveling in construction zones. All motorists should reduce their speed and be aware of workers, equipment, lane shifts and detours. Motorists are also advised to reduce their speed when driving through a section that was recently oil and chipped because loose materials are easily kicked up when driven on; remember that the component poured onto the roadway needs time to settle. The more expensive option - repaving - would be preferred but is not cost effective when dealing with as many roads as the county does.

 

The past few years the Department of Public Works has addressed many major infrastructure concerns, including repairing the Bullis Road Bridge near Girdle Road in Elma and East & West Road in West Seneca. I will continue to advocate for the investment of county dollars into projects to keep our roadways safe, as well as addressing minor issues now to avoid major repairs later.

 

In other development news, the Legislature unanimously supported a motion to allocate $7.5 million for development at Erie Community College. The money was initially designated one year ago and I was pleased that all 11 members of the board reinforced the benefit of this project. I strongly support a new academic building at ECC’s North Campus, which hasn’t undergone any major development in more than 50 years. These funds will trigger $22.5 million in additional state and local support, funding a project that will create hundreds of construction jobs and give ECC a tool to attract students and increase their competitive edge.

 

We have many great assets in Erie County, and supporting them adequately will ensure they are viable for years to come. If you have any questions about County projects or any other issues, please contact my Legislative Office at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.