Commission Discusses Road Repairs

By B.A. Little, Reporter • beverlyannette@southerntorch.com

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — At the February 10, 2020, Jackson County Commission meeting, County Engineer Jonathan Campbell reported on County Road 17. He discussed the plans for the reconstruction of a large part of the roadway that will need to be completely removed and correctly repaired. He further explained that they would have to go 17 feet down to find a stable base.

The geotechnical testing that was done in several sites on the failed stretch of the road revealed over six feet of layers of pavement. This is where previous repairs for the sinking area were made, layer upon layer of pavement.

Testing also showed a large pool of groundwater in the shale and limestone.  This unstable area could not be used as a load-bearing subsurface. The slide was caused by the instability and the layers of repeated repairs. The weak subsurface needed to be addressed and not simply trying to fix the surface.

In order to properly repair the road and hopefully prevent slides in the future, large columns, 18 feet long and 4 inches in diameter, will go in the ground to support the load-bearing weight of the pavement. Additionally, special drainage is going to help drain the groundwater and the water from heavy rains. With this repair, the road should be able to withstand heavy rains without any slides.

In other business, the smoking and vaping policy were voted on and passed. Smokers on the courthouse grounds will have to move to the gazebo instead of smoking beside entryways.

The Jackson County Commission meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 4:30 pm at 102 E Laurel Street, Suite 47 in Scottsboro. Work sessions are held on the first and third Mondays, also at 4:30 pm.