City hall uses rotating schedule to address unpaved commercial roads

Business owners in commercial areas who question the state of their unpaved roads should know that city hall has a maintenance strategy that addresses those streets on a rotating basis.

City hall classifies those gravel roads based on three categories: Priority 1, Priority 2 and Priority 3. Priority 1 is for high or medium traffic roads with high speeds; priority 2 is for high or medium traffic roads with moderate speeds; and Priority 3 is for medium or low traffic roads with low speeds.

Priority 1 streets are maintained on a rotating basis of three to four weeks. Priority 2 streets are addressed on a rotating basis of five to six weeks, while Priority 3 streets are maintained on a rotating basis of seven to eight weeks.

“Wet weather will impact this schedule throughout the maintenance season. Service may be more frequent as condition warrants,” said a report that was presented during the April 26 regular city council meeting. “Additionally, emergent lane maintenance issues may impact this schedule during the spring.” Maintenance could include extra gravel if city hall deems it necessary, the report added. City crews perform rehabilitation as needed and as budgets allow.

The City of Moose Jaw rehabilitation portions of 32nd Avenue West, Ninth Avenue East and Coteau Street East in 2020.

Coun. Crystal Froese — who inquired about this topic during the March council meeting — was pleased to receive this answer.

“This gives a much better idea, I think, for those who are in the commercial areas with those (streets),” she said. “They can use that info … when it comes time for having their road regravelled or filled or ultimately rebuilt.”