Sidewalk Maintenance

The City of St. Albert addresses all sidewalk repairs on a priority basis.  Criteria for assessing and establishing priorities are based on the following:

    		                            
    • Classification of the sidewalk,                                             
    • The severity of the distress,
    • Liability implications,
    • Budget, and
    • Drainage issues.

    All sidewalks are classified based on the categories below:

    CATEGORY A:

    Includes high pedestrian traffic volume areas such as: 

    • Downtown
    • Schools
    • Hospitals
    • Senior Citizen Centers
    • Public Facilities

    CATEGORY B:

    Includes low pedestrian traffic volume areas such as:

    • Residential
    • Light Commercial
    • Industrial

    Priority Levels

    Any defects and hazards on sidewalks are classified by the severity rating system listed below:

    a)   Low Priority – does not require attention in the next 3 years.
    b)       Medium Priority – does require attention in the next 2-3 years
    c)       High Priority – requires repair within the next year.

    Types of Distress

    Public Works will address the following areas of distress for repair.  These are then prioritized depending on the type of sidewalk and the severity of the distress.

    1. Faulting                                                                    
    2. Linear Cracking
    3. Shattered Slabs
    4. Corner Breaks
    5. Backslopes
    6. Ponding

    Methods of Repair

    The City of St. Albert replaces approximately 2000 square meters of sidewalk each year.  Public Works utilizes many different options for the repair of sidewalks.  These include;

    1.   Grinding / Cutting – This procedure involves mechanically shaving or cutting uneven joints in the sidewalk to remove the potential of a tripping hazard.

    2.   Mudjacking – This process allows for the completion of repairs without replacing a section of asphalt, sidewalk or drive pad. It is more cost-effective, uses fewer resources and extends the life of St. Albert's walkways.

    3.   AC Overlays- In these instances asphalt or concrete is used to give an existing structure a new smooth surface.

    4.   Crack Sealing – This method of repair is employed where significant cracks have presented. By way of a hot tar or rubberized compound the crack is filled and sealed in an effort to mitigate further damage that might occur as a result of water migration.

    5.   Replacement - In cases of extreme damage and where mud jacking is deemed insufficient, City crews will opt for sidewalk replacement.  This process involves breaking out and removing affected sections of the sidewalk, pouring new sidewalk and, usually, repairing surrounding landscaping disturbed by the replacement.

    6.   Other Viable Technological Methods.

    Reporting a Sidewalk Tripping Hazard

    The City of St. Albert relies on our residents to assist in identifying hazardous sidewalks and tripping hazards.  Public Works asks that any sidewalks requiring immediate attention be reported to our office as soon as possible by calling 780-459-1557 or using our online form (link coming soon…)

    Neighborhood Walks Program

    Typically, the City of St. Albert’s Planning & Engineering Department selects an area of the city where they implement sidewalk repairs through out a particular neighborhood.

    In 2010, the City maintenance department opted to divert all resources to higher priority locations regardless of subdivision.  In an effort to mitigate the higher risk locations throughout the city, inspections, assessments and repairs will be occurring in all areas through out St. Albert.

    For more information on this program please contact The City’s Planning & Engineering Department at 780-459-1654.