ESTEVAN — Tyson Turnbull of Turnbull Excavating Ltd. appeared before Estevan city council during its March 10 meeting, advocating for a shift towards concrete roadways as a long-term cost-saving and durability measure.
Turnbull presented a detailed analysis comparing concrete to traditional asphalt paving, highlighting key advantages such as extended lifespan, reduced maintenance costs and increased resistance to weather conditions. According to Turnbull, while concrete has a higher initial cost – estimated at 10 to 20 per cent more than asphalt – it can ultimately reduce overall expenditures by approximately 34 per cent over a 50-year period.
A significant part of his presentation focused on the benefits of concrete’s longevity, with an expected lifespan of 30-50 years, compared to asphalt, which typically requires major rehabilitation within 15 to 20 years. He also pointed out that concrete roads eliminate the annual pothole issues associated with asphalt, reducing the need for frequent repairs and road closures.
Turnbull proposed a test project at the intersection of Perkins Street and Kensington Avenue, an area he identified as ideal due to its high traffic volumes and deteriorating road conditions. He suggested paving sections leading up to the traffic lights to showcase the material’s durability.
Councillors engaged in a detailed discussion following the presentation, with several raising practical concerns. Coun. Shelly Veroba inquired about the feasibility of underground utility repairs, to which Turnbull acknowledged that concrete removal and replacement are more complex than asphalt but noted that modern PVC piping reduces the likelihood of frequent excavations.
Another concern, raised by Veroba, was the impact on road markings, given that current environmentally-friendly asphalt paints often require reapplication multiple times per year. Turnbull stated that paint adheres better to concrete and may require less frequent maintenance. He also noted that alternative methods, such as embedded markings, could eliminate the need for repainting altogether.
Questions about construction methods were also raised, with Veroba asking about the differences in base preparation compared to asphalt. Turnbull explained that while both materials require similar groundwork, concrete can be laid over existing asphalt, providing additional flexibility in road rehabilitation projects.
Council members also discussed noise levels associated with concrete roads, with Coun. Tom Mauss citing experiences on highways where jointed concrete sections create a repetitive sound. Turnbull clarified that proper base preparation and controlled expansion joints minimize these effects, resulting in a quieter ride.
The discussion shifted to environmental factors, with Coun. Brian Johnson questioning how concrete withstands winter conditions and de-icing agents. Turnbull reassured council that properly mixed and cured concrete is resistant to salt damage, provided it meets required strength standards. He also highlighted that concrete roads reflect more sunlight, reducing the urban heat island effect and potentially lowering cooling costs in surrounding areas. He also asked if concrete can be recycled the same way as asphalt, to which the answer was positive, especially if fibreglass rebar is used.
Johnson also inquired about concrete's use in other jurisdictions. Turnbull acknowledged that while its adoption in Saskatchewan has been limited, municipalities such as Yorkton have used it successfully. He pointed to Manitoba communities like Winkler and Morden, as well as parts of Winnipeg, where concrete paving is more common.
The discussion concluded with a review of potential applications for the material in Estevan. City engineer Kiflom Weldeab indicated that further review would be needed, particularly in relation to underground infrastructure in proposed trial areas.
No immediate commitments were made, but council expressed interest in continuing discussions about concrete as an alternative to asphalt, particularly for high-traffic intersections and industrial areas.
