Weeks of exceptionally heavy rainfall have tested the County of Stettler's road network, with some areas receiving more than 22 inches of rain between late May and early July. Despite the conditions, county administration says its roads have generally performed well while crews continue responding to damage and carrying out scheduled maintenance.

Director of Operations Greg Jackson presented the third-quarter road update to council on July 8, reporting that significant rain or hail events occurred on eight of the 14 days between June 24 and July 8. Saturated ground, overflowing ditches and runoff have created challenging conditions for road maintenance crews throughout the municipality.

Jackson said operations staff have worked continuously to repair damage while keeping regular maintenance programs on schedule.

The county completed its ratepayer-funded MG-30 dust suppression program during the week of June 29 to July 3. Jackson said the abundant moisture provided ideal conditions for the product to bind with the road surface, although crews will continue monitoring treated roads for potholes or other damage caused by excessive rainfall.

Road patching has now become a major focus. Crews are repairing soft spots and damaged sections using 1½-inch crushed gravel while continuing to patrol the road network and respond to requests submitted through the county's Ratepayer Request portal.

Jackson addressed concerns from some residents who believed crews were using pit run gravel for repairs.

"It does definitely lay in and it's a little rougher and a little louder and you notice it in the ride of your vehicle," he said, explaining that the county is using 1½-inch crushed aggregate because it provides better stabilization in soft road sections.

The report noted that heavy runoff has periodically overwhelmed roadside ditches and creek crossings, causing erosion in some locations. Crews have been repairing washouts, restoring drainage and marking hazardous areas to improve public safety while preventing further deterioration.

Jackson also highlighted the county's response to resident concerns. A ratepayer contacted the county on July 6 after noticing potholes created by gravel trucks working in the area the previous week. Before the complaint had been processed through the Ratepayer Request system, the assigned grader operator had already repaired the road.

Council's discussion also turned to longer-term solutions for roads that experience recurring problems.

Councillors discussed stabilization work on roads such as Range Road 20-3 and Range Road 22-1 and stressed the importance of understanding the engineering behind repairs so they can better explain projects to residents.

Jackson concluded that while the spring and early summer have been among the wettest in recent years, the county's road system has generally held up well under the conditions. He said the Ratepayer Request portal continues to be an important tool for identifying issues quickly and helping crews respond as efficiently as possible.

Council accepted the road update for information.