Road Maintenance

All roads within the the Township of Ramara are maintained in accordance with the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards. We maintain our roads to help keep residents and visitors safe. Learn about the different types of road maintenance.

We complete regular road surface and roadside maintenance during the spring, summer and fall months.

Road Resurfacing

Hot Mix

Asphalt pavement is widely used in road construction and other urban infrastructure projects. It can be found almost everywhere in and around urban centers. You may know asphalt pavement is a mixture of aggregates, binders and fillers. However, you may not know that there is more than one kind of asphalt! We're going to talk about one of the more common aggregate products, hot mix asphalt, and go over some of its uses.

What is Hot Mix Asphalt?

Hot mix asphalt is a variety of asphalt that contains around 95% aggregates (like crushed rock, sand, gravel or slags). These products are stuck together using asphalt cement, which is a crude oil product and as the name hints, hot mix asphalt is produced at high temperatures usually between 150°C and 190°C.

Since it must maintain its temperature when poured, the weather cannot be too cold. The outdoor temperature must be above 4°C (40°F).

Common uses for HMA (hot mix asphalt), include the paving of highways, roads, driveways and parking lots. HMA is flexible, weather-resistant and can easily repel water.

How is Hot Mix Asphalt Placed?

Hot mix asphalt is usually used to paved roads. When it's used for paving, HMA is brought to the paving site and then dumped into hoppers of a paving machine. The asphalt is then applied - typically in 4 to 8inch think layers - and compacted using a heavy heater roller. The road can usually be driven on as soon as the pavement cools.

The layering system for paving has the lower layers acting as support for the to top layers. For a smoother surface, the lower layers are typically made up of aggregates that help prevent rutting and failure. The aggregates in the top layer are chosen for their friction and durability.

How is it Categorized?

Hot mix asphalt is usually categorized into the following types:

Dense-Grade Mixes - depending on the size of the aggregates used, these can be further categorized into fine-graded and coarse-graded. Fine-graded mixes have more sand and smaller stones compared to the coarse-graded mixes.
Stone Matrix Asphalt - is manufactured with a high percentage of asphalt cement and has asphalt binders and fibres. Due to its expensive cost, stone matrix asphalt is normally only used for large projects.
Open-Graded Mixes - come in two types: Friction Course and Asphalt Treated Permeable Bases. Friction course mixes are used for the top layer of pavement and must have at lease 15% air voids. Asphalt treated permeable bases are used as a base layer for dense-graded asphalt and Portland Cement Mixes to drain water away from the top layer of pavement.

Slurry Seal

Micro surfacing/slurry seal is a surface treatment designed to extend the life of asphalt pavements in fair to good condition by providing skid resistance, restricting moisture intrusion, protecting the structure from further oxidation and ravelling, and restoring a uniform black appearance. It is the most economical choice when wheel nut leveling is required. Micro surfacing/slurry seal boasts quick construction times and minimal disruption to the traveling public.

It is applied to existing pavements using a specialized micro box (more comparable to a paver screed than a slurry box), which is connected to the micro mixing unit. The micro box is variable width, allowing total coverage of a sing lane in one pass.

Micro surfacing/slurry seal reduces the life cycle cost by 25-40%, reduces greenhouse gases by 44% or more and reduces raw materials by 35% or more compared to traditional resurfacing methods. Micro surfacing adds 6 to 8 years or more when applied for optimum preservation performance.

Surface Treatment

Surface treatment is the application of an asphalt emulsion on either an existing asphalt road or a fresh, compacted granular surface immediately followed by the applicated of a cover aggregate.

It provides an economical 'all-weather' surface for light to higher volume traffic, depending on the emulsion and quality of aggregate used. It also provides a waterproof barrier that prevents the intrusion of moisture into the underlying materials and provide a skid resistant surface. It gives new life to a dry, weathered surface. A weathered, raveled pavement can be restored to a useful service by application of a single or multiple surface treatment.

The asphalt emulsion is a mixture of asphalt cement, water and a emulsified agent. Its composition is approximately 66% AC, 33% water and 1% emulsifier. It is applied with a computerized distributor at rates varying from 1.30kg/m2 to 2.00kg/m2. The most commonly used emulsions are HF150, HF150P (Polymer), HFMS-2 and CRS-2. Other emulsions are available for specific applications.

The aggregate is divided into six different classes:

Class 1 - Washed Chip
Class 2 - Comparable to 5/8 Crusher Run
Class 3 - HL4
Class 4 - Commonly Known as a Sand Seal
Class 5 - Fine Washed Chip
Class 6 - HL3

Benefits

Sealant - Emulsion not only bonds aggregate but also creates a water proof barrier over the road surface and fill cracks up to 6mm (1/4 inch), preventing moisture and air penetration.
Restores Skid Resistance - Transforms a polished surface into a fresh wear course.
Time and Money - A Single Surface Treatment is a fraction of the cost of an asphalt overlay while achieving the same result in less time.

For high traffic volume applications polymer modified emulsions should be considered.

It is crucial that all necessary preparations such as pothole patching, leveling and base repairs which are all completed well in advance of surface treatment. It is also recommended that all cracks larger than 6mm (1/4 inch) be filled months in advance. Ideally, this would happen the season before.

How is Surface Treatment Applied - Single

Single Surface Treatment is a preventative maintenance tool that preserves and re-enforces existing pavements and surface treated roads which will extend their life expectancy.

It is applied with a computerized chip spreader at rates varying from 12kg/m2 to 22kg/m2. These operations are immediately followed by rubber tired rollers, and depending on the application, a steel drum rollers.

It is constructed by spraying a uniformed single application of asphalt emulsion on a clear surface with a Computerized Distributor Truck, followed by a layer of cover aggregate that is applied with a Computerized Chip Spreader. This is immediately followed by a minimum of two Pneumatic Rubber Tired Rollers which seals the aggregate properly into place.

How is Surface Treatment Applied - Double

Double or Multiple Surface Treatments are a cost effective alternative to Hot Mix Asphalt, generally constructed on a fresh, compacted granular surface.

They are constructed by spraying a uniformed application of asphalt emulsion with a Computerized Distributor Truck, followed by a layer of cover aggregate applied with a Computerized Spreader. This is followed immediately by a minimum of two Pneumatic Rubber Tired Rollers (one Rubber Tire Roller may be substituted with a Steel Drum Roller on multiple surface treatment applications), which seals the aggregate properly into place.

Once the first lift is complete, the same process is repeated using a aggregate not less than 1/2 the size of the first applications. It is completed with a Non-Vibrating, Steel Drum Roller following up behind.

Road Maintenance

Ditching

Material from gravel roads, including sediment from winter sanding, moves from the roadbed to the ditches as a result of grading, traffic, rainfall runoff, snowmelt runoff, plowing erosion and potentially other activities.

As a result of this movement, roadside ditches and culverts fill in with gravel and sediment over time. The periodic removal of this material is required to maintain the hydraulic capacity of the ditches and protect the roadway and travelling public. Ditches are typically vegetated for resistance to flow and erosion, which could vary over time and space as the vegetation grows and dies. The capacity of the ditches can be reduced by overgrown vegetation. Periodic mowing is often required to retain the hydraulic capacity of the ditches. Invasive plant species can spread along roads and dominate ditches when weed seeds mix into the soil/mud carried by vehicles. Invasive plants can also become established as a result of disturbance and become a seed source for other areas.

Why are road ditches important

The main purpose of a roadside ditch is to protect the integrity of the road. Roads are designed to drain rain and snow melt away from the road and toward the lower elevation of the roadside ditch. Once the water reaches the ditch, it can flow along the ditch and eventually away from the roadway which will protect the stability of the road subgrade. A ditch may respond to changes such as: increased water flow blocked channels, removed vegetation and increased sediment load.

When its flow is blocked, water seeks a new course. It might carve a new path which can cause banks to erode or a channel to deepen. As the channel deepens and the banks become near vertical, the upper bank soils might slough to create a shallower slope.

Protecting water quality. Ditches carry water directly to streams and lakes and the water is not treated or cleaned. Performing ditch maintenance will help protect both the roadways the the receiving water is challenging.

Ditches often perform better than storm sewers when it comes to protecting the water quality. In storm sewer systems, the water moves from the road into a pipe that leads directly to the receiving water. Ditches along rural roads are often vegetated. The vegetations will slow down the water and allow a portion of it to infiltrate into the soil and allowing some of the debris and pollutants to settle out. Fine sediments and associated pollutants filter out as subsurface water moves through a mesh of plant roots. When plants take up water, they help to reduce the volume of runoff after a storm.

When ditches are unstable, or when the vegetation is disturbed during ditch maintenance, erosion is more likely. Erosion can significantly impact water quality.

Dust Control

Depending on precipitation levels, dust control is first applied at the end of June to early July. Following the initial application, we do spot dust control in front of homes and near intersections and railways. This usually lasts until the end of September.

We make every effort to control dust in areas under construction; however, the movement of heavy construction equipment makes dust control measures less effective. Once the construction project is completed, the area receives its regular dust control application.

Grading

Gravel roads are graded in the spring as soon as the weather allows. Once dust suppressant is applied in June, grading is avoided until September. Fall grading commences in September, as needed, until freeze up. To properly grade a gravel road, you need three days of good weather (1 day to dry, 1 day to grade, and 1 day for the road to set/compact).

Potholes

Potholes are more prevalent in the spring when frost develops and snow melts. Residents are to be careful when going through puddles, as they can hide potholes. The Township does not repair potholes in driveways or private parking lots.

How Potholes Form

Water seeps into cracks in pavement
Water builds up and softens the ground under the road
Water freezes and expands, pushing the pavement up
Water under the pavement dries, leaving behind a hole beneath the road
Pavement becomes weakened. When a vehicle drives over the area, the pavement collapses leaving behind a pothole.

In the winter and spring when the Township repairs the pothole, the material often does not adhere sufficiently, and the potholes may develop again. When the weather permits, Township staff will fill the pothole with a more permanent material.

Pothole Repair Schedule

Paved Roads
Class of Highway	Surface Area	Depth	Time
3	1000cm2	8 cm	7 days
4	1000cm2	8 cm	14 days
5	1000cm2	8 cm	30 days

Unpaved Roads
Class of Highway	Surface Area	Depth	Time
3	1500cm2	8 cm	7 days
4	1500cm2	10 cm	14 days
5	1500cm2	12 cm	30 days

Roadside Brushing

Roadside Brushing "brushing" typically refers to a vegetation management practice that involves clearing or cutting overgrown vegetation, such as bushes, shrubs, and small trees, from public road allowances. This activity is often performed along roadsides, highways, and other public spaces to maintain visibility, ensure safety, and prevent the encroachment of vegetation onto roadways or infrastructure. Here are some key aspects of brushing:

Brushing helps improve visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists by removing overgrown vegetation that may obstruct sightlines. This is crucial for road safety and traffic management.
Clearing vegetation from road shoulders and medians is a common aspect of roadside maintenance. It prevents plants from obstructing traffic signs, signals, and other important infrastructure.
In areas prone to wildfires, brushing may be part of fire prevention efforts. Creating firebreaks by removing combustible vegetation helps reduce the risk of wildfires spreading to populated areas.
Brushing may be part of efforts to control the spread of invasive plant species that can negatively impact local ecosystems.
Infrastructure departments may brush along trails, footpaths, and recreational areas to maintain accessibility and prevent the vegetation overgrowth.
Clearing vegetation from public rights-of-way ensures that these areas remain accessible for public use and that the intended infrastructure functions effectively.

Mechanical equipment, such as brush cutters or mowers, may be used for large-scale brushing operations, while manual tools may be employed for more precise work in sensitive areas. The frequency of brushing activities depends on factors such as climate and vegetation growth rates overall. Brushing is an important aspect of public works aimed at maintaining public spaces and ensuring the safety and functionality of infrastructure.

Roadside Brushing will occur on all roadways when required and the Township typically performs the work in all areas of the township every other year.

Roadside Mowing

Roadside mowing addresses the tall grasses that grow along roadsides, mostly in front of agricultural properties and naturalized areas outside the urban boundaries. This program also maintains a few locations inside the urban boundaries as required, the practice cuts typically on average 2 meters from the edge of the shoulder/road towards the ditch.

The service is completed by infrastructure staff who operate the equipment required to cut the steep slopes of roadside ditches. The current operating budget for the program allows for two cuts each year. The first cut is started at the beginning of June with an anticipated completion date of the July long weekend, and the second cut typically starts in August to be completed for the Labor Day long weekend.

Some key aspects of the roadside mowing are:

Roadside mowing helps improve visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists by removing overgrown vegetation that may obstruct sightlines. This is crucial for road safety and traffic management.
Clearing vegetation from road shoulders is a common aspect of roadside maintenance. It prevents plants from obstructing traffic signs, signals, and other important infrastructure.
The cut assists in controlling weeds, ticks and other invasive species.