Town of Pound Ridge, NY Road Specifications

The following specifications set forth the minimum requirements for the construction of roads hereafter to be built in connection with the development or subdivision of land pursuant to the Land Subdivision Regulations of the Planning Board.

(2)

All materials and/or methods of construction not described in these construction standards and specifications shall meet the current Standard Specifications of the New York State Department of Transportation, Design and Construction Division. References to "Standard Specifications" shall mean this state standard.

(3)

Reference should be made to the construction standards detail sheet at the end of this Article for roadway details and terms used.

(4)

A developer or owner may construct a road of greater stability, increased dimensional requirements or superior materials, than the minimum herein specified, provided that the approving agent signifies, in writing, his approval of the use and methods of use of such type of construction.

Modification of standards.

(1)

A developer or owner(s) may apply to the Planning Board for permission to construct or improve a road to standards other than those contained herein, provided that such modifications will not be detrimental, in the specific case, to the public health, safety and general welfare. Such application shall be in writing and shall give the reason for each modification requested and the details of the specific standard proposed to be used. Such request shall be filed with the Planning Board prior to the date of the public hearing on the proposed subdivision plot.

(2)

As a general rule, the Planning Board will consider such modifications only in smaller subdivisions where:

(a)

The applicant(s) elects not to make an offer of dedication to the public of the road shown on the plot with a bona fide intention that the road shall forever remain a private road.

(b)

The road will service an area where no more than five homes could be built under existing zoning and subdivision requirements.

(c)

No continuation of the proposed road will be necessary, in the opinion of the Planning Board, to serve adjoining land, and the road is not indicated on the Official Map or the Town Development Plan as a part of the comprehensive through-road network of the Town.

(d)

A reduction in one or more standards is essential to minimize or avoid potentially significant impacts to specific environmental features that exist on the site and which could only be protected by means of such a modification of the standard(s).

(3)

If the Planning Board shall find that such modified standards are warranted in the particular instance and are adequate to protect the interests of the health, safety or general welfare of the public, the Board may grant the request or so much as it deems appropriate. The Board may attach such conditions and safeguards to such action as it shall deem necessary to assure that the general intent of these regulations and the Town Law is not nullified.

(4)

If a road built under such modified standards is later offered to the Town for acceptance as a public road, the Planning Board will recommend to the Town Board that such road not be accepted unless and until the owner(s) of the road shall have improved the road to the Town standards then in effect

Approval of construction required. All work performed under these specifications shall be performed with the full knowledge of and to the complete satisfaction of the approving agent, and, upon completion, the approving agent shall certify to the Planning Board that he or she has examined the work and that it has been performed and completed to his or her satisfaction in accordance with the terms of these specifications and of the Planning Board's resolution of conditional approval. If the owner or developer fails to construct a road in accordance with these specifications and to the satisfaction of the approving agent, the Planning Board or the approving agent shall notify the owner or developer, who shall immediately make all adjustments or corrections necessary to comply with the specifications.

Approving agent. The approving agent shall be the Engineering Inspector or such other agent as the Planning Board may designate for such purpose.

Special conditions. Whenever a developer, during the course of development under the Land Subdivision Regulations of the Town of Pound Ridge and before acceptance of any construction, encounters conditions such as flood areas, underground water, springs, intermittent streams, humus beds, unsuitable slopes, soft and silty areas or other unusual circumstances not foreseen in the original planning, such conditions shall be reported immediately to the approving agent, together with the developer's recommendations, if he or she so wishes, as to the special treatment which he or she proposes to secure adequate and permanent construction. The approving agent shall, without unnecessary delay, investigate the condition or conditions and either approve the developer's recommendations to correct the same, order a modification thereof or issue his own recommendations for the correction of the condition or conditions. Unusual circumstances or detrimental conditions observed by the Planning Board or the approving agent shall be similarly treated.

§ A117-33 Clearing and stripping.

Selective removal of vegetation. No removal of trees or other natural vegetation or disturbance of stone walls which would add to the value of the subdivision shall be commenced until the approving agent shall have made a field inspection of the proposed subdivision and right-of-way and has designated those trees or other vegetation or stone walls which shall not be disturbed. (See also Article III.) Those trees along the road right-of-way which are selected to be retained shall be those which do not create a safety hazard or interfere with the required sight distance.

Removal of unsuitable material. After completion of the approving agency's inspection required in Subsection A above, all unsuitable material within the area of the roadway between the designated outer slope limits shall be removed as follows:

(1)

All muck, soft clay and other soft spongy material not capable of supporting a pressure of 35 pounds per square inch (2.5 tons per square foot) shall be entirely removed.

(2)

All trees, brush, roots and stumps shall be grubbed and excavated and removed completely. In areas outside the pavement with fills greater than two feet below the subgrade surface, the stumps may be cut off flush with the original ground surface. Dead trees or limbs in hazardous condition as determined by approving agent, with respect to the roadway, shall be removed.

(3)

All fences, refuse piles and other organic rubbish shall be removed.

(4)

Rock shall be removed to at least six inches below the subgrade surface. All blasting work shall be done by persons skilled in such work. All blasts shall be properly covered, and every precaution shall be taken to ensure the safety of persons and property. Explosives shall be stored and used as prescribed by state laws and local ordinances. Blasting operations shall not commence until a permit has been obtained from the Building Department.

(5)

All unsuitable materials removed shall be replaced with approved mineral (inorganic) materials which shall be well compacted in accordance with § A117-34C. The unsuitable materials removed may not be used for fill except that the inorganic materials may be used to flatten slopes or fill low spots outside the roadway area. The approving agent may require the developer to submit evidence of borings and/or other soil investigations to determine the depth, composition and stability of the subgrade within the roadway area.

Stripping. All topsoil and sod within the work area shall be removed. This material shall be stored in stockpiles until completion of grading operations and then shall be spread uniformly over the finished slopes where required by these regulations.

§ A117-34 Excavation and grading.

General.

(1)

All excavating and filling required for construction of pavement, curbs, gutters, headwalls, drainage structures and installation of pipe drains shall be as specified herein and as shown on the construction plans.

(2)

The entire area of work shall be brought to the required lines and grades by excavation or by filling. Excavated material, if suitable, may be used in making embankments, in filling the low areas, to flatten slopes, or at such other places as approved.

Suitable materials.

(1)

In cut areas the natural, mineral (inorganic) soil in place may remain as subgrade material if it is capable of supporting a pressure of 35 pounds per square inch. The approving agent may require tests to verify the condition of the soil. Fill in cut areas, due to undercutting or removing of unsuitable materials, shall meet standards of the following Subsection B(2).

(2)

In fill areas, the embankment (subgrade material) within 24 inches of the foundation course shall be select granular fill (similar to Standard Specification 203-2.02C). In general the material shall be mineral (inorganic) with no particles greater than six inches in size, with not more than 15% of the particles passing through a No. 200 sieve, and with no shale or other soft particles. Rock up to 12 inches in its greatest dimension may be used if more than 12 inches below the subgrade surface.

(3)

Below the subgrade area, more than 24 inches below the foundation course, suitable fill material may be any inorganic soil capable of supporting a pressure of 35 pounds per square inch. Rock used as fill shall be thoroughly mixed with earth to completely fill all voids.

(4)

All materials used for fill areas require prior approval of the approving agent.

Placement and compaction.

(1)

All fill shall be placed in successive horizontal layers not exceeding 12 inches in depth and extending completely across the entire fill area.

(2)

Each layer shall be spread by bulldozers or other acceptable means and shall be thoroughly compacted by mechanical apparatus exerting a pressure on the soil of at least 35 pounds per square inch. Smooth steel wheel rollers shall have a nominal gross weight not less than 10 tons. Other procedures using other equipment require prior approval of approving agent.

(3)

ln places where the use of a roller is impractical, the contractor shall use fill layers of four inches and mechanical tampers as accepted by the approving agent.

(4)

Prior to the completion to grade of the subgrade surface all underground services shall be installed: drains, culverts, catch basins, utilities, etc.

(5)

The subgrade surface shall be formed by repeated rolling, shaping, removal of unsuitable materials and replacement with suitable materials and rerolling and reshaping until a uniform, hard, stable surface, properly crowned to shed water laterally, is provided.

(6)

Immediately prior to the placement of the foundation course, the subgrade surface shall be proof-rolled and inspected under the direction of the approving agent. Successive passes of the ten-ton roller shall show no depressions or movement of the surface. The approving agent may also require at specific locations tests to indicate a compaction of at least 90% of Standard Procter Maximum Density.

(7)

Where designated by the Planning Board and/or approving agent, side slopes of cuts and fill embankments shall be constructed so as to minimize encroachment laterally as indicated on the construction plans. Subgrade materials with high angle of repose as well as retaining walls shall be used.

(8)

Rock cut faces shall have a six (vertical) to one (horizontal) slope, with a level ledge of three feet for each ten-foot rise, or as specified otherwise by the approving agent.

(9)

Side slopes shall not be graded beyond the limits of the road right-of-way unless a suitable easement has been properly established and granted by the affected property owner.

§ A117-35 Drainage.

General.

(1)

A drainage system shall be installed throughout the length of the project, so designed and constructed as to carry surface and ground water to adequate outlets without damage to the road or adjacent property by ponding, flooding, washing or scouring. The drainage system shall consist of a combination of gutters, catch basins, headwalls, culverts, bridges, subdrains and other suitable structures.

(2)

The effect of the drainage from the subdivision on downstream drainage facilities outside the area of the subdivision shall be considered. Where it is anticipated that the additional runoff incident to the development of the subdivision will increase the rate of runoff or cause flooding or scouring of existing downstream drainage facilities, the Planning Board shall notify the Town Board or other appropriate owners of downstream property of such potential condition. In such case, the Planning Board may withhold approval of the subdivision until provision has been made for the correction of said potential condition.

Design standard. Local drainage in watersheds of 50 acres or less may be designed, except in unusual cases, for a storm with an intensity likely to occur once in 50 years. For larger watersheds where flowing streams are involved, structures shall be designed for a storm with an intensity likely to occur once in a period of 100 years. All pipes, culverts and bridges shall be constructed of sufficient size and capacity to transport adequately the water without ponding. The construction plans shall state the expected runoff and design capacity in cubic feet per second at each culvert or pipe entrance. Detention ponds and/or other means of controlling runoff, particularly if proposed in controlled areas as designated in the Town Wetlands Protection and Preservation Law[1] shall also be specified in the construction plans.

[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 63, Freshwater Wetlands.

Culverts and drainpipes.

(1)

Materials and sizes. All pipes shall be reinforced concrete pipe Class III per Section 706.02 of Standard Specifications up to a maximum cover of 10 feet or asphalt covered galvanized corrugated steel pipe not less than 16 gauge. The minimum size pipe shall be fifteen-inch diameter.

(2)

Trenches.

(a)

All culvert pipe shall have a minimum cover of 18 inches between the surface and the top of the pipe unless specified otherwise by the approving agent. Trenches for pipes shall be as narrow as possible but sufficiently wide to permit tamping the backfill. Soft, plastic soil shall be removed and replaced with granular material to a depth of at least 18 inches below the bottom of the pipe. Rock, boulders and other hard foreign matter (hardpan) shall be removed to at least eight inches below the bottom of the pipe.

(b)

The bedding upon which pipe is to be placed shall be of firm and even supporting ability and shall be fine graded to line and grade. Replacement bedding shall be sand and/or gravel.

(c)

First stages of backfill (structure backfill) shall be compacted under haunches of pipe to completely fit the pipe's bottom surface. Successive backfill shall be in layers of six inches to 12 inches to at least 12 inches above the top of the pipe. Material for backfill shall be granular sand or gravel, free of rocks, hard lumps or clods. Fill operation shall proceed to progressively bury the pipe to equal depths on both sides.

(d)

Each layer shall be tamped and compacted to 95% Standard Proctor Maximum Density. Backfill above 12 inches above the top of the pipe may be standard fill as specified for road structure.

(e)

Pipe may be backfilled immediately after placement on bedding and joined, and provided that work has been inspected or otherwise advised by the Town Engineer.

(3)

Culvert ends and headwalls.

(a)

Inlet and outlet ends. Inlet and outlet ends shall be factory-fabricated flared-end sections. The ends shall be protected by rocks and boulders set in a secure and stable manner to prevent erosion of the embankment into the culvert. Rocks and boulders may be set in portland cement mortar. In lieu of above construction, reinforced concrete headwalls may be used if approved by the Planning Board. Design shall conform to standard good practice and shall be approved by the approving agent.

(b)

Culvert discharge. Rip-rap shall be placed at the discharge end of each culvert for a distance of 10 feet, or as designated by the approving agent. Stone shall weigh at least 25 pounds and shall be installed in a workmanlike manner to prevent erosion. The installation shall be subject to the approval of the approving agent.

Major structures. All major structures shall be designed and certified by a licensed professional engineer. Box culverts or bridges shall be designed and built of steel and reinforced concrete or reinforced concrete of sufficient strength to withstand live load concentrations induced by the heaviest legally loaded vehicle with a safety factor of four. Abutments and wing walls shall be of reinforced concrete. All bridges shall have parapets at least three feet high of reinforced concrete, stone masonry or steel or iron railing of adequate strength. Such parapets shall be located so as to provide five feet minimum clearance on both sides from the edge of pavement or traveled way. The top of the bridge or culvert slab shall be placed at such elevation as to permit continuous pavement construction thereon. Bridge foundations shall be capable of supporting at least three tons per square foot. If natural conditions are not adequate therefor, piles shall be provided.

Catch basins.

(1)

Dimensions. Catch basins shall be precast or job constructed with inside dimensions of at least three feet wide and four feet long for up to twenty-four-inch diameter culvert pipes. Catch basins for double culvert pipes or culvert pipes larger than 24 inches in diameter shall be of such size as approved by the approving agent.

(2)

Materials. Catch basins shall be:

(a)

Precast materials of design as approved by the approving agent;

(b)

Solid concrete load bearing block; or

(c)

Reinforced concrete, 6% air-entrained, with minimum compressive strength at 28 days of 2,500 pounds per square inch. The specific design shall be approved by the approving agent.

(3)

Grates and frames.

(a)

Catch basins for pavements with curbs shall have both curb inlet plus removable, flat surface grate at least 24 inches by 36 inches.

(b)

Catch basins for pavements with gutters shall have concave, removable gutter grates similar to Campbell No. 3490, with three-inch gutter.

(c)

Where permitted by the approving agent for use in existing pavements, catch basins with removable flat surface grates or catch basins with half-moon side inlets may be specified.

(d)

All catch basins, including covers and grates, when located in areas subject to traffic shall be specified for minimum H-20 loading to standards of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Manufacturers verification for precast units shall be submitted to the approving agent.

§ A117-36 Pavement.

General requirements.

(1)

Construction standards. The road shall be built to the cross-section and standards shown on Detail Sheets S-1 and S-2.[1] The pavement shall be hot-mix asphalt concrete. Materials, installation and compaction shall be in accordance with Section 401 of the Standard Specifications. Thicknesses and composition of pavement elements shall be per Detail Sheets S-1 and S-2.

[1]

Editor's Note: Detail Sheets S-1 and S-2 are on file in the office of the Town Clerk.

(2)

Temperatures. Asphalt pavement shall not be applied unless atmospheric temperatures are 45° F. at 8:00 a.m. and rising. Existing surfaces shall be dry or slightly damp. No application of asphalt shall be permitted between October 15 and April 15 without written approval of approving agent.

Foundation course (subbase course).

(1)

Application. The foundation course shall not be applied until the subgrade surface has been properly prepared, proof-rolled and approved by the approving agent per § A117-34C(6).

(2)

Materials. The foundation course shall consist of at least eight inches of graded granular materials that conform to Section 304 of the Standard Specifications.

(3)

Compaction. The foundation course shall be compacted to not less than 95% of Standard Proctor Maximum Density. Compaction procedures shall be in accordance with Section 203 of the Standard Specifications. Water shall be added if necessary to obtain satisfactory compaction. Final compaction shall be with a smooth steel wheel roller having a minimum weight of 10 tons. The foundation course shall be thoroughly compacted so as to show no depressions or movements under successive passes of the roller.

(4)

Fine grade tolerance. The final surface of the foundation course shall be fine graded so that after final compaction and just prior to the placement of pavement courses, the surface elevation shall not vary more than one-fourth-inch above or below the design line and grade at any location. This surface shall be approved by the approving agent prior to placing overlying courses.

Asphalt concrete pavement.

(1)

General requirements. Pavements shall be handled and placed in accordance with the Standard Specifications Section 400. Asphalt pavement shall be crowned four inches as shown on the detail. Dimensions indicated are finished, rolled and compacted dimensions.

(2)

Base course. Base course shall not be applied over the existing surfacing without written approval by the approving agent. Base course shall be three inches of asphalt concrete per Standard Specifications for Type 1 or 2 base course or Type 3 or 4 binder course.

(3)

Top course. Top course shall be two inches asphalt concrete per Standard Specifications for Type 6 or 7 top course. Top course shall be applied not less than six months after base course has been laid and compacted and shall not be laid without written permission of the approving agent. Prior to the installation of top course, all defects such as birdbaths, washboards, etc., shall be corrected. Defective material shall be removed and replaced using top course mix.

Asphalt curbs and gutters.

(1)

Asphalt curbs shall be to shape shown on Detail Sheets S-1 and S-2.[2] Curbs shall be a minimum of four inches above adjacent finished top course surface. Curbs shall be placed on base course and before top course is placed. Curb placed more than 24 hours after placement of base course shall be placed on full tack coat bed.

[2]

Editor's Note: Detail Sheets S-1 and S-2 are on file in the office of the Town Clerk.

(2)

Asphalt curbs shall be to Standard Specifications item 609.20.

(3)

Top course shall not be placed until curbs are backfilled to full depth.

(4)

Where use is approved, asphalt gutters shall be to the same thickness and specifications as adjacent pavements.

§ A117-37 Shoulders.

General requirements. Shoulders shall be of size and shape as shown on Detail Sheets. In cut and fill sections, shoulders shall be two feet wide up to a difference in elevation of two feet, and three feet wide to a difference in elevation from two feet to four feet. Shoulders in cut sections shall pitch toward pavement one inch per foot and in fill sections shall pitch outward away from pavement one inch per foot.

Finished slopes.

(1)

Stabilization of shoulders and slopes. All shoulders and slopes, except rock cuts, shall be covered with at least four inches of topsoil and seeded, mulched or otherwise planted to provide a stable surface and cover to prevent erosion. Plants shall be watered and nurtured until growth is assured.

(2)

Road trees and other landscaping. Road trees and shrubs shall be in accordance with the landscaping plan approved by the Planning Board.

§ A117-38 Road edge protection.

General requirements. Road edge protection shall be required wherever the difference in elevation between the shoulder and adjacent ground exceeds three feet.

Protection materials. As selected and approved by the Planning Board, materials for road edge protection shall be as follows:

(1)

Posts. Posts shall be round locust posts set three feet deep and extending 30 inches above ground and located three feet off curb and eight feet apart. Posts shall be a minimum of six inches in diameter at the smallest end and shall be smooth and free of bark. Posts shall be sound and clear. The tops of posts shall be cut beveled, 1 on 2. The portion of the posts set into the ground shall be hot-dipped in bituminous material and air-dried before setting into the ground. All posts shall be painted with two coats of exterior white paint after setting.

(2)

Boulders. Large boulders weighing at least 400 pounds each (three cubic feet) shall be set three feet back of the curb or edge of pavement. Boulders shall be set four feet apart.

(3)

Railings. Railings shall be a minimum of two-by-eight-inch rails bolted to six-by-eight-inch posts set 36 inches in the ground and 24 inches above the ground. All wood shall be left natural in color and treated per AWPA specifications to 0.60 retention. Each rail shall be bolted with a 3/4 diameter bolt at each bearing and two bolts at each end. Rails shall be set four inches below top of post. Posts shall be set 36 inches in back of the curb and a maximum five feet on center.

(4)

Additional protection. Posts, boulders or railings as selected by the Planning Board shall be provided in the following locations:

(a)

Around turnarounds if specified by the Planning Board.

(b)

At the end of turnarounds directly opposite entering roadway.

(c)

At headwalls, at least five feet apart, extending to five feet beyond the ends of the headwall.

§ A117-39 Road signs and warning signs.

Road name signs shall be erected at each road intersection. Such signs shall conform in all respects to standards of the Town Highway Department. In addition to the road name, the term "No Outlet" shall be used where appropriate to designate roads where there is no other connection to a public road.

[Amended 5-14-1992 by L.L. No. 2-1992]

The Planning Board may require that warning signs be erected on new roads. Such signs shall conform to all Town highway standards and state standards.

When specified by the approving agency, the contractor shall install warning signs during periods of construction.

§ A117-40 Monuments.