The 90-degree weather that settled in Erie County this past week might have some people in disbelief that the seasons will soon be changing from summer to fall. Although the temperatures may seem unusual, the region’s “fifth season” is quite normal: construction season.

JOHN MILLS Erie County Legislator I recently spoke with a representative

I recently spoke with a representative from Erie County’s Department of Public Works who discussed several road projects in District 13, including one that will add 10-15 years of life to a roadway.

On Jewett Holmwood Road, County crews are onsite this week rehabilitating 2.5 miles of roadway, from South Freeman Road to Davis Road. Work began last week and is scheduled for completion the end of this week. While taking Erie County Executive Chris Collins on a tour of my district on Aug 31, I stopped to observe the work and was glad to see the problems that I've heard so many residents complain about finally being addressed.

The process being used is called rehabilitation, which is like a makeover, and less costly than a total reconstruction. That consists of milling off the existing asphalt, which was rough and littered with potholes, and putting down new asphalt. This repair should last 10 to 15 years and will be a great improvement noticed by all who use that stretch of road.

Because of the average age of our failing infrastructure, many repairs are needed at one time. For example, the County’s current work list includes repairing 33 culverts and bridges. Poor pavement conditions on Jewett Holmwood resulted in work this summer.

Several residents have asked why only this section of the roadway is being rehabilitated at

this time.

As I understand it, the Town of Orchard Park is planning a waterline project, west of South Freeman, which could occur as soon as the end of this month. Once that is done, the County can rehabilitate that section of the road.

According to the County’s DPW, work may have to wait until next spring.

Other roadways throughout the District have been oiled and chipped, a process which is a mixture of liquid asphalt and stone that is poured onto the roadway to seal cracks. The process

the roadway to seal cracks. The process prolongs the life of the roadway and helps prevents potholes.

Included in the list are Gartman Road and Behm Road in Orchard Park, and Gypsy Lane in East Aurora.

Oil and chipping is a very cost effective method and can add seven years to the life of a roadway. But it causes great concern among drivers because the process leaves behind loose stone which upsets some people.

I take road conditions very seriously. Soon it will be another season change: fall into winter.