40% more rain pulverizing county roads
Staff writer
Marion County has received nearly 40% more rain than in previous years, and it has resulted in negative impacts.
Year-to-date rainfall in Marion is 49.64 inches. The average is 32.51 inches.
Doug Kjellin, administrative controller in the county’s road and bridge department, said the roads suffered because of the tremendous amount of rain received during the summer.
Repairing or resurfacing roads when it’s raining or going to rain makes little sense, he said because the moisture will damage any work being done.
“People need to be able to drive on the roads with standing water,” he said.
Dirt and debris roads turn to mud and debris can be carried onto major streets.
“When we have a street that is wet with more rain coming that is something we have to address,” he said. “When it’s this wet, you are wasting your time to appropriately pack.”
Heavier rains pack soil and cause fewer problems than a moderate amount of rains.
“We have a priority list based on the number of cars and construction and other factors,” Kjellin said.
Commissioner Mike Beneke agreed that rains are hard on the roads.
Hard rain overnight is not as detrimental as steady rain throughout the day.
Winter and colder weather create similar problems.
“When it starts freezing we don’t have that problem,” Kjellin said but snow and ice would have to be removed before work can start, Kjellin said.
When the weather changes with snow and ice are on roadways, the county concentrates on plowing major collection routes, including school bus routes and additional roads that are heavily traveled.
North and south roads like Nighthawk and Sunflower will be paved by the county. K-150, 256, U.S. 50, U.S. 77 and K-15 are the state’s responsibility.
“If the weather is bad, decide if you want or have to get some place,” he said.