Oakmont announces streets to be paved, project to be advertised later this month

Oakmont officials plan to spend about $350,000 to pave eight streets and a boat ramp as part of this year’s road improvement program.

The paving project advertisement is expected to be approved at the Feb. 15 council meeting with possible contract approval in March.

Streets to be improved include:

• Virginia Avenue from Twelfth Street to the cul-de-sac.

• Woodland Avenue from the paving seam east of Wade Lane to the cul-de-sac.

• Fairways Drive from Oak Street to Pinehurst Lane.

• Eighth Street from Hulton Road to Virginia Avenue.

• Dogwood Way from Pennsylvania Avenue to Virginia venue.

• Washington Avenue from Allegheny Avenue to Third Street.

• Willows Drive from Washington to California avenues.

• High Street from Washington Avenue to the dead end.

• The boat ramp by Allegheny River.

Two alternatives on the paving list include Virginia Avenue from Sixth Street to the dead end and First Street from Delaware Avenue to the dead end. They could be added to the overall project depending on funding.

Roads are evaluated annually with the assistance of Senate Engineering, public works crews and borough officials. The borough had created a five-year road program in 2018.

“The program requires the borough to continuously evaluate the roadway system in the borough and maintain a plan for action on an annual basis,” borough manager Scot Fodi said. “We are at the midway point in that five-year plan.”

John Arnold, recently appointed councilman and public works liaison, said the paving is necessary to ensure safe travels for residents and other motorists.

“The streets that are on the paving list are in need of maintenance,” he said. “In general, the streets have been maintained rather well, especially compared to some other boroughs. The winter weather is always a problem with potholes showing up. Road maintenance is a problem for every borough. Those streets in most need are done first. It’s all subject to the amount of money available in the budget.”

Council budgeted $350,000 for paving this year, the same amount as last year.

Start and paving completion dates will depend on the awarded contractor.

It is unclear if there will be any brick restoration along Allegheny River Boulevard this year.

The main thoroughfare was not mentioned on the paving list, and brick repairs were not discussed at this month’s council workshop meeting. Brick restoration last took place in 2019.

Arnold said he is not in favor of paving the boulevard.

“I would like to see bricks replaced as needed, but I would not want to see a change in the composition in that road,” Arnold said. “That’s part of the whole character of the borough as far as I’m concerned. I wouldn’t want to see it paved.

“The bricks will never be as smooth as other forms of paving. On the other hand, where (deficiencies) are on Allegheny River Boulevard, you really shouldn’t be driving all that fast. If it’s becoming a problem, maybe you’re speeding.”

The borough is also halfway through a five-year capital improvement plan.

Fodi said several stormwater repairs are scheduled to go out for bid within the next two months.