Public Concern
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It was a dark and rainy morning Jan 22 2017 when part of the mountain slid down onto the only County Maintained Road in and out of my small mountain community. It had been raining for days and the saturated soil could no longer hold back the mountain side. Rocks and dirt spilled into the roadway, trees careened into the power lines and a single proud redwood remained standing, now in the center of the outbound lane atop the mess of a pile. This was the first mud slide of many this rainy season all resulting in the closure of our main road.
The slide left approximately 1,100 residents [1] with only one alternate
Detour; a Private Road
single lane, partially paved, owned and maintained by it's mere 65 households [2].
Detour; a Private Road
single lane, partially paved, owned and maintained by it's mere 65 households [2].
When our main road was closed due to storm damage in January and February, twice a vehicle drove off our private road. No one was injured, but the road was closed both times by residents to await emergency vehicles for the stranded motorists. Residents were essentially unable to return home or exit the community during those closures.
(Vehicle pictured damaged in other storm related incident)
Although Santa Cruz planned on Spending $6 mil this year in road maintenance,
it would take Another $30 mil to raise the road standards to "Good" [3] making County Roads unreliable.
it would take Another $30 mil to raise the road standards to "Good" [3] making County Roads unreliable.
What Now?
Fortunately with some online Community effort (NextDoor.com), ingenuity, team work, and a few talented artists we were able to come up with a plan.
A Commute System traveling the Same Direction helped avoid one or more vehicles needing to back uphill on the narrow cliff-side road until they could find a turn out large enough to allow someone to pass. |
The Public should be Concerned about Private Roads
because they are often the Only Alternative when County Maintained Roads are closed.
because they are often the Only Alternative when County Maintained Roads are closed.
We Have a Problem!
(Private Road Issues)
The condition of the private road we had been using as a detour was already poor to start. With the Multiplied Traffic of Commuters, Emergency & Utility Vehicles the state of repair for our private road is deteriorating rapidly. The multiple closures of our main road resulted in use of the private emergency detour in and out of the community for a solid week twice and multiple times for a few days. Potholes from the size of Banana Slugs to Redwood Saplings threaten to damage our vehicles. The road is Collapsing along the Edges and falling into creeks and canyons.
How and Why Do Roads Fail?
1. Poor Drainage
2. Edge Cracking
Poor drainage leading to weak shoulders is the main cause of Edge Cracking. This development increases moisture retention in the base and sub base of the asphalt weakening the surface of the road to traffic damage and Fatigue Cracking. [4]
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3. Fatigue Cracking
Fatigue Cracking is caused by traffic & overloading. When the base or sub base of the asphalt lacks adequate support the surface layer fails creating a crocodile hide like cracking effect. [4]
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(County Maintained Road Issues)
What can We do?
The Resource Conservation District holds technical Trainings and Road Workshops for contractors and private residents on improvements including installing properly sized culverts, contouring the road surface, and applying rock to unpaved roads and culvert outlets to minimize erosion. [5]
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The Resource Conservation District Recommends: [6]
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Best Ways to Prevent Erosion
1. Tarping is a temporary solution to use during rainy season to prevent ground saturation in areas without the support of vegetation root structures. If the dirt doesn't become saturated it is less likely to erode or slide. Drainage at the edges of the tarp are very import. [7]
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3. Erosion Control Netting lasts about three years. It provides immediate protection from erosion and helps maintain moisture for vegetation establishment. [8]
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2. Retaining Walls are a more permanent solution to erosion and slide prevention. Their design and strength are dependent upon the surrounding land and soil [7]
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4. Drainage consists of Need to divert water around and away from retaining walls, yards and structures. Drainage along a road needs to be made of concrete, asphalt or another non permeable material to prevent ground saturation. [7]
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What can You do?
Drive Slow
Driving cautiously over rough and damaged roads not only saves wear and tear on your vehicle but it also helps preserve the road and ensure safety! |
Help Repair
Repairing a small Pot Hole is easy if you have about $30, a shovel/tamper and an afternoon. [9] |
Donate
Don't have time? Donate to your local Road Association instead! LBRA
PO Box 483 Felton CA 95018 |
Resources:
[1] "Lompico" by Wikipedia; last modified September 20, 2016 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lompico,_California [2] "FAQs" by Lake Blvd Rd Assoc; last modified February 9, 2009 http://lbra.kezeor.com/faq.htm [3] "Funding Hinders Infrastructure Repair" by Mark Dettle, May 14 2016 www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20160514/LOCAL1/160519850 [4] "Crocodile Cracking" by Wikipedia last modified 23 January 2017 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocodile_cracking [5] "Education" by Resource Conservation District of SC County, c 2007-2017 http://www.rcdsantacruz.org/education [6] "RRECAP" by Resource Conservation District of Sc County, c 2007-2017 http://www.rcdsantacruz.org/rural-road-erosion-control-assistance-program-rrecap [7] "Homeowner's Landslide Guide" by Pacific Disaster Net http://www.pacificdisaster.net/pdnadmin/data/original/homeowners_landslide_guide.pdf [8] "Rolled Ersion Control Product (Netting)" by CA Dept of Transportation, April 4, 2014 http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/16_la_design/guidance/ec_toolbox/recp/ec_netting.htm [9] "Repair a Pothole" by Lowes, c 2017 https://www.lowes.com/projects/repair-and-maintain/repair-a-pothole/projects |
All Photography by: Jessica Laces
Permission granted by multiple area Residents. No requests to not photograph during shoot. |