16 percent of Delaware city roads in poor condition

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Five percent of the city of Delaware’s road pavement conditions have failed, according to a draft report from the city’s Department of Public Works.

The report was developed after the department carried out visual inspections of every road in the city, according to Bill Ferrigno, director of public works/city engineer, who presented the report at Tuesday’s Public Utilities/Works Committee meeting.

“This is a really just a listing of our current pavement conditions in every street in Delaware,” he said.

While expressways, such as U.S. Route 23, and principal arterial, such as Sunbury Road, have received a B-plus overall, minor arterial, such as state Route 521, have received a B-minus and collectors, such as Armstrong Road, and local streets, such as Barrett Street, received a C-plus.

About 15 percent of the city’s 310.13 miles received an A, while 40 percent received a B; 29 percent were C; and 11 percent were a D.

“Sixteen percent of our streets are in poor condition,” Ferrigno said.

Collectors and local roads constructed before 1995 were graded C-plus and C-minus, respectively, according to the report. Forty percent of local roads constructed were graded at a D or F level, while five percent of local roads from 1995 to now were graded D. Ferrigno said the the condition of new roads had propped for the last 15 years the overall grade.

“And that’s what we’ve been saying over and over again is that the oldest streets are suffering,” Ferrigno said.

In addition, Ward 3 had the best overall grade for its road pavement conditions at a B-plus. Wards 1 through 3 were C-plus.

Ward 4 had more local streets in poor condition at 22 percent, followed by Ward 2 at 21 percent, and Ward 1 and 3 each at 11 percent.

The report comes before the Nov. 8 general election when Delaware voters decide whether to approve to increase the income tax from 1.85 percent to 2 percent. The additional 0.15 percent would generate $2.2 million used solely to update the city’s transportation system, according to city officials.

Ferrigno
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/10/web1_Bill_Ferrigno1-202×300.jpgFerrigno

By Brandon Klein

[email protected]

Brandon Klein can be reached at 740-413-0904 or on Twitter at @brandoneklein.

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