Renmark Paringa Council’s annual road reseals have kicked off, signaling Council’s continued dedication to maintaining and renewing its road infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient travel for residents.

Renmark Paringa Council also continues to explore ways in which it can become more sustainable, environmentally friendly and cost effective for its ratepayers.

An estimated 11 tonnes of crumbed rubber (recycled from tyres) has been utilised in the most recent resealing project to help keep costs down and help divert the tyres from landfill.

While Renmark Paringa Council is currently undertaking a number of significant projects that often capture public attention, a vital aspect of its work lies in the continuous management and renewal of road assets, particularly through road reseals and resheeting.

This financial year’s road re-seal to-do list includes:

• Lyrup Main Road
• Murray Price Drive
• Pyap Street
• Railway Terrace
• Tarcoola Street
• Tea Tree Crescent
• Thurk Street
• Twentythird Street

How is it decided what roads will receive attention each financial year?

From a management perspective, road re-seals are initiated by a comprehensive process of condition assessments.

Renmark Paringa Council collaborates with specialists, such as Tonkin Engineering, who conduct thorough inspections of each road within its network every four years.

These assessments evaluate road conditions, factoring in deterioration rates influenced by age, construction quality, and traffic volume.

Typically, a road seal lasts between 17 to 20 years, but various factors can accelerate the need for maintenance.

Data gathered from traffic counters further informs Council’s planning by capturing vehicle types and traffic patterns, allowing for precise identification of roads requiring resealing.

Developing a reseal schedule

Each year, Renmark Paringa Council develops a reseal program that outlines which roads will be prioritised for maintenance.

This program considers not only roads reaching the end of their useful life but also those that have deteriorated more quickly than expected.

Co-ordination with upcoming construction projects is crucial to avoid redundant work, ensuring that roads are sealed only after any nearby upgrades are completed.

Before sealing contractors are engaged, Council’s Infrastructure Team inspects all roads scheduled for resealing.

They identify necessary preparatory work, such as pothole repairs and vegetation removal, ensuring the roads are ready for renewal.

Upskilling our own

In addition to larger resealing projects, Renmark Paringa Council addresses smaller repairs in-house.

Their patching truck facilitates direct pothole repairs and pavement reinstatement, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of the road surface.

A significant focus for Council is upskilling its workforce.

Under the guidance of experienced leaders, the Civil Team balances contracted services with in-house capabilities, allowing for flexibility in managing both large and smaller maintenance tasks.

Current projects and future plans

This financial year, Council is set to tackle extensive resealing in Lyrup, targeting rural road sections and aiming for efficiencies by treating long stretches of road instead of adopting a disjointed approach.

This method not only enhances cost-efficiency but also improves overall asset management.

Community members are encouraged to report concerns about road conditions to the council's customer service.

Quick responses to maintenance issues help maintain the safety and quality of the road network.

Additionally, areas around the Renmark Square shopping centre are facing significant pavement failures due to initial construction not being equip for the current high volume of traffic and large vehicles.

Ongoing geotechnical studies are exploring innovative rehabilitation methods that could allow for more sustainable solutions without necessitating complete road reconstruction.

Council’s commitment to environment improvements

The Renmark Paringa Council’s road reseal program is an essential component of its infrastructure strategy, reflecting a commitment to quality and sustainability.

By balancing large-scale projects with core asset management, Council ensures that roads remain safe and functional, contributing to the overall wellbeing of the community.

As Council progresses, it will continue to embrace innovative solutions and community engagement to enhance its road network for years to come.