05-26-2017, 08:23 AM
I much prefer a smooth asphalt trail to ride on than the 'clunk-clunk-clunk' of riding over the sidewalk cracks; although as a runner a prefer grass/gravel/dirt. I think Boston has a gravel running paths beside all their paved paths.
While I agree that concrete probably lasts longer it is like anything you kind of get what you pay for and what you put into maintaining it.
So when trails get installed with the lowest grade asphalt, without a proper tamping of the ground, no weed barrier, no asphalt edging, and then gets driven on by vehicles it wasn't intended to support and not patched or sealed to maintain, it really isn't surprising that it breaks down quickly. A sidewalk can also breakdown quickly if not installed or made properly (e.g. too much limestone in the mix, ponding water/heaving, no maintenance, excessive weight, etc.).
I actually suggested to the region a few years ago during their strategic planning public consultation that they look at reducing overbuilt roads as a cost saving measure. Think about a road like Homer Watson between Hoffman and Sterling. There is no reason for it to be that wide; it won't ever carry that capacity of vehicles because it isn't ever going to be connected to Belmont now. So why should we rebuild it to the same width when the time comes and then have to plough for area in winter and maintain all that excessive pavement/infrastructure in the future; saves on capital and operating expenses. Probably lots of examples like that around the region.
While I agree that concrete probably lasts longer it is like anything you kind of get what you pay for and what you put into maintaining it.
So when trails get installed with the lowest grade asphalt, without a proper tamping of the ground, no weed barrier, no asphalt edging, and then gets driven on by vehicles it wasn't intended to support and not patched or sealed to maintain, it really isn't surprising that it breaks down quickly. A sidewalk can also breakdown quickly if not installed or made properly (e.g. too much limestone in the mix, ponding water/heaving, no maintenance, excessive weight, etc.).
I actually suggested to the region a few years ago during their strategic planning public consultation that they look at reducing overbuilt roads as a cost saving measure. Think about a road like Homer Watson between Hoffman and Sterling. There is no reason for it to be that wide; it won't ever carry that capacity of vehicles because it isn't ever going to be connected to Belmont now. So why should we rebuild it to the same width when the time comes and then have to plough for area in winter and maintain all that excessive pavement/infrastructure in the future; saves on capital and operating expenses. Probably lots of examples like that around the region.
Everyone move to the back of the bus and we all get home faster.