We asked the Supervisor of the Road Operations Division in Umatilla, Mr Randy Dean, how roads are chosen for resurfacing. We got a quick response. This is the information we learned: “all of our county-maintained roads are graded semi-annually. Many things are looked at when rating a road. We have a road rating manual with both illustrations and precise detailed directions of what to look for. Roads are graded on a scale of 1-10, 1 being dirt, 10 being new.
Once a road is rated a 4 or less, they are put on a list to be considered for an overlay. Prior to that decision being made, a traffic counter will be placed on each road to determine how much traffic is on said road, with the heaviest traveled roads being overlayed before less traveled roads. Unfortunately, due to limited funding, not all 4 rated roads will be overlayed during the time which they were rated. Once a road drops to a 3 rating, it moves to the top of our list regardless of funding and traffic.
Roads with a 5 rating, can be worn and at times rough because of pothole patches and edges breaking off.”
So now we all know. They are getting it done though. Check out this new road off of Saffron!
