Viewpoints
Bumps in the road
By LeiLani Lake
August 15, 2007
Wednesday PM
I read with some amusement the letter by Randy Lake (no we are
not related). Yes - Tongass Avenue still has lumps and bumps
after the paving done these past few weeks. But Randy may not
realize that paving of any road is done in multiple steps. Having
lived in Ketchikan and having gone through many road upgrades,
including the straightening and widening of North Tongass Hwy.
from the the ferry terminal to Ward Cove bridge I have seen the
various steps gone through to pave a road. They seem to pave
in two steps, and each layer is about 4 inches thick. The first
layer is done and then they come back and lay the final layer.
I don't know the reason for doing this in two steps but I'd guess
that 8 inches of asphalt is too thick and won't dry correctly.
I realize that we have been going through a bumpy road situation
for a couple of years now but I don't believe that Secon is totally
to blame. They did their bid according to guidelines, requirements
and specifications as set out by the City of Ketchikan and the
State of Alaska. If unforeseen problems come up, such as the
waterlines not being where they were thought to be, then Secon
can not be blamed, neither can they be blamed for installing
gaskets (per bid specifications) that do not work. I think they
are doing a commendable job considering the problems that have
occurred during this road phase.
I just hope that the next phase from The Landing to Third Avenue
has been reviewed. That the specifications are stated correctly
and that all the sewer and waterline locations are known up-front
so the job flows better and has fewer mishaps and delays.
Heck we are having a wonderful sunny week. Smile and realize
that there will always be bumps in the road and you make of them
what you may.
LeiLani Lake
Ketchikan, AK
Received August 15, 2007 - Published August 15, 2007
About: "36 year resident
of Ketchikan and still loving the rain."
Related Viewpoint:
 Secon's
new paving By Randy M. Lake
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