First of all I would like to thank those that serve on the Road Committee and offer insight as to what work needs to be done. The year from October 2008 to September 2009 has been a year of major work and having a new contractor for the winter plowing.
In October 2008 there was major work done in the Highlands and Rangeley Overlook. This work included the following:

• Grading of the roads in our association

• Reconstruction of major areas on The Lynn Way and Overlook Road

• Resetting and/or replacing 7 culverts

• Extensive ditching on The Lynn Way, Kendall Farm Trail, Overlook Road as well as other areas

• Rocking of ditch at the North entrance of Overlook Road

• Applied 648 yards of 1/2'” crushed gravel and 70 yards of ¾” crushed shale to Overlook Road, Paul’s Path, The Loop Road, Kendall Farm Trail and The Lynn Way

Burgess Construction was the contractor for snow removal this year. It was the first year of a two year contract. This was the first time we issued a contract on a time and material basis with a maximum cap. This resulted in a slightly less expenditure than the $40,000 budgeted. It is the opinion of the road committee that this was a job well done.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we will again be grading this fall and ditching in problem areas where water went under the road last spring. At least 2 culverts will be replaced and topping applied to other areas as much as the budget will allow. We don’t see any areas of major concern at this time, although we never know what the Spring thaw will deal us.

In closing a few concerns:

• Speed is always an issue—people are driving much too fast and washboarding the roads

• Snowmobiling to the trails should be done on the roadway and not on the snow banks as this makes snow removal more difficult

• ATVs are becoming a real problem. HOLA roads are to be used only for trail access and NOT for joy riding

Thanks to HOLA members for your support and if you have any questions or concerns or suggestions, please feel free to contact me.

Respectfully submitted
Les Hoekstra
HOLA Road Commissioner
 

To see the HOLA "Road Policy" click here.