By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Town of Bay Roberts is hoping to get more time out of its crosswalks.
The durability of the painted crossings was raised at council’s March 10 public meeting. Crosswalk locations were also discussed.
Councillor Terry Bowering, who noted the crossings are painted by Town staff, asked Public Works Director Sean Elms if better paint might be available. Bowering said the lines on one crosswalk in particular had faded very quickly.
Chief Administrative Officer Dave Tibbo offered a theory as to why the Town is experiencing issues with some of its crosswalks. He said that while the paint worked well for other communities, Bay Roberts may have put the crosswalks on the pavement too late in the year.
“They were put down on a really hot day and then they got really cold,” he said, suggesting the quick cooling effect combined with traffic could have contributed to the fast fading.
Councillor Dean Franey recalled staff having to rush to finish the crosswalks before Remembrance Day, meaning they were painted in November.
“I think you need it on in early spring,” said Tibbo. “And then, over time with heat, it’ll stay better.”
Tibbo said if that doesn’t work, they could look into getting new paint as Bowering suggested. Elms added the Town is looking to get a spray painter, which might help the crosswalk paint last longer.
Franey said he has seen workers in St. John’s paint half a crosswalk, block it off with pylons for a few hours to prevent traffic from driving over it, then do the same with the other half. That would cut down on the immediate wear and tear of the painted lines, he allowed.
Elms replied that is something the Town will try.
