Public Works director recommends new street assessment
BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON
EDENTON — With 55 roads still needing paving and only $251,000 budgeted for this year’s street work, the Town of Edenton faces a mathematical reality: The current funding might cover just two road projects while dozens of streets continue to deteriorate.
Public Works Director David Myers delivered both progress reports and projections during the July 28 town council meeting, revealing that while the town has successfully paved 52 roads since 2017 with a $4.2 million investment, the remaining work presents a daunting financial challenge.
Town Council heard from representatives from Harbor Town Inc. in the meeting. Coverage of that part of the meeting, appears at Harbor Towns Project Making Waves: Edenton Council Gets Update on Tourism Initiative.
Myers recommended the town conduct a new pavement assessment to bring engineers in to evaluate all completed road work and help reprioritize future repairs. The comprehensive review would provide updated data on road conditions and help guide the town’s strategic approach to the infrastructure backlog.
The town’s current approach has successfully eliminated all category one priority roads – those in the worst condition. “We are pleased to say there are no ones left. We did get all those paved,” Myers told council members during his presentation, which included detailed maps showing completed work in green and remaining projects in black.
Major Investment Still Needed
Despite the substantial progress since 2017, significant work remains ahead. Myers estimates it would cost approximately $4.5 million to complete paving on all remaining streets if done simultaneously. The town currently has allocated $251,000 for street department operations and paving projects in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget.
Several high-priority projects are under consideration for the coming year. East Freemason Street, which was delayed due to high school rehabilitation work, would cost an estimated $52,000 to repave. The road shows alligator cracking but remains passable, according to Myers.
Morris Circle presents a more complex challenge, requiring complete sewer repair before paving can begin. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for August, with the contractor already selected. The paving cost for Morris Circle is estimated at $120,000, with an additional $200,000 needed if the town opts to install curb and gutter work.
Sidewalk Projects Face High Costs
Sidewalk installation represents another significant expense for the town. Myers obtained quotes for sidewalk work on Old Hertford Road totaling $287,375, which would include sidewalks, storm drain boxes, and the elimination of roadside ditches. The installation of the Johnston Street sidewalk would cost approximately $114,648.
The town faces difficult decisions regarding sidewalk placement, particularly on Johnson Street, where installation would require removing century-old oak trees and crape myrtles.
A comprehensive survey of 23 roads currently without sidewalks revealed a total cost of $2.1 million for the installation of complete sidewalks across those areas.
Road Maintenance Responsibilities Split
Myers clarified the division of road maintenance responsibilities between the town and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT). State-maintained roads include Virginia Road, Broad Street (from the bypass to Queen Street), West Queen Street, East Church Street (and onto Poplar Neck Road), Granville Street, Coke Avenue, Dr. MLK Jr Avenue, Paradise Road, Peanut Drive, and a section of East Peterson Street leading up to Hicks Field.
DOT has indicated they will let contracts for Paradise Road paving in 2025, though the work could take up to two years to complete once contracts are awarded.
Future Planning and Seal Coating Option
Myers asked council to consider allowing the town to do a new pavement assessment that would bring engineers to evaluate all completed road work and determine future needs. Myers also presented seal coating as a cost-effective option to extend the life of already-paved roads.
Seal coating involves applying a tar-asphalt mixture to the entire road surface at approximately $3 per square foot, potentially extending road life by 10-15 years. This preventive maintenance could help protect the substantial investment already made in the paving program.
Upcoming Projects and Priorities
Future resurfacing projects are organized by priority levels, with several Priority 2 roads including sections of East and West Freemason Streets and South Broad Street awaiting attention. Priority 3 and 4 roads span numerous residential areas throughout Edenton, from residential developments to established neighborhoods.
South Broad Street presents particular challenges due to the need to coordinate with downtown restaurants and businesses during construction. Myers noted the complexity of working in the commercial district, emphasizing that paving there “is not that easy” due to business considerations.
Council members and town management are expected to continue discussions on funding mechanisms and project prioritization as they work toward completing the remaining 55 roads in the paving program.