County keeping eye on Potter’s Road fixes

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Oxford County public works department is listening to public feedback and determining if further action is needed to fix drainage issues on Potter’s Road.

Formally known as Oxford County Road 37 from Tillsonburg town limits to its terminus at Base Line Road in the Township of Norwich, the road and its maintenance are a county responsibility. After a $1.4 million repaving project that rehabilitated the existing roadway surface to improve ride quality and extend the road's service life. However, following the work, residents have reported ponding in some areas adjacent to the road and issues with the shoulders.

Township of Norwich Mayor Jim Palmer provided some insight, saying he had some complaints last fall.

“The newly paved surface was wider than the original surface,” he explained. “The contractor attempted to make new shoulders, but in many cases, there wasn't any of the original shoulder width remaining. Where possible, they added some topsoil to the remaining shoulder. The material they used was not a good choice, and the replacement of that was part of last fall’s rework.”

Rueben Davis, Senior Manager, Engineering Services with Oxford County, explained county staff have not identified any widespread drainage deficiencies, but have found “localized ponding after a rainfall, or from snow melt rather than an overall drainage issue associated with the repaving work”.

“County staff will continue to investigate and assess any concerns brought forward by residents,” he added.

Speaking to the issue of the shoulders, Davis said some challenges were identified with the topsoil shoulder along portions of the road. After staff reviewed the construction, a decision was made to remove the topsoil with granular material.

Assessment of the problem areas is continuing, based on feedback.

“County staff have conducted site reviews of the locations identified through resident feedback,” Davis said. “The concerns are currently being assessed to determine whether any additional work is warranted. No decisions have been made at this time regarding further remedial measures.”

As for the cost of the repairs, Davis said, “Responsibility for remedial efforts to address localized ponding issues is a contractual issue that is being negotiated with the contractor.”