To the editor:
There have been so many negative comments and questions recently regarding the quality of our roads, and their repairs. Yes, they are shameful to a town that claims so much pride. They make driving miserable, and are causing long-term havoc with the overall condition of our cars, e.g., average alignment work costs in the four hundreds.
Is it really that hard to do what is necessary to achieve basic quality work, i.e., repairs that are smooth and are tapered to marry into the existing roads? It can be done. The recent road repair adjacent to Sea Side Park is an excellent example of quality work — too, too many others, not so.
What is the problem? Do both our, or the third-party contractors responsible, have the proper training? If third-party contractors do less than quality work, why don’t their contracts to work in Marblehead include a clause that clearly states, before payment, the finished work has to meet certain standards? Does the Highway Department supervisor, or someone designated, do an inspection and sign off on road work? Are there any standards in writing on record? If not, why not to both those questions?
Does the problem have its roots in budgetary issues? Does the department have a written plan that includes the yearly inspection of roads, makes their findings public and includes them in their next budget? Does the department have a reserve fund as a line item?
One last thing, why do so many of the roads have “road snakes” literally littering them? Road snake is a “biker” term for the black oil-tar crack fillers. It seems like some of our roads have more “road snakes” than pavement. Simple logic says, like painting a house, it’s all about the preparation work. It appears that higher standards, or a much more rigorous quality control inspection needs to be completed before the “tarmac hits the road.” How does the Select Board feel about all the public’s strong concern and discontent? And, let’s attempt, in all respects, to eliminate the term “good enough for government work” from the town lexicon.
Jody Magee
Guernsey Street
