Stimulus paving....

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Orion

Rt-109 needs a lot more than just paving. This needs to be redone with a proper bed and drainage. I'm betting it's just old-school asphalt over leveled dirt.

I would add that drainage is a problem on all the roads north of Lake Winnipesaukee: The problem gets even worse as the elevation increases towards the Ossipee Mountains.

Until repaired, frost heaves affect one's ride along Rt-109 every spring. On the other hand, it connects to Rt. 28 through South Wolfeboro, which has a solid concrete bed and is bumpy all year long!

As an armchair road engineer, I think a series of roadside mini-dams to slow the rate of runoff would go a long way to alleviating the problems of granite hills, asphalt and icy winters. (Not to mention washouts in summer).

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

"...Preface:
This thread is not directed to the short sighted folk that love deteriorated roads, and wish to limit the tourist traffic that our state is built on...The Bike week tours were also impacted by the condition of this road, which is designated as a scenic byway in NH..."

It may be even more short sighted to accept Federal funds: According to Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), the Stimulus Bill is not all sweetness and light.

Besides, in spite of occasional dustiness, there are friendly aspects to deteriorated local dirt roads.

1) They can be easily leveled after mud season—and relatively cheaply,
2) They're more easily repaired after washouts,
3) They keep the number of nosy tourists and noisy bikers down,
4) They keep the number of roadside basketball hoops down,
5) Nobody skateboards on them,
6) They slow most traffic down—making for a nice walking venue—meeting neighbors,
7) Encourages exercising your dog (and you),
8) No frost heaves.


Certainly, Robert Frost would approve.