The Town of Douglas Road Moratorium includes all public roads that have been paved within the previous 5 calendar years. The moratorium prohibits street-cutting on newly constructed or re-constructed pavement less than 5 years old except in cases of emergencies. In such emergency situations, an extended maintenance fee will be charged for cuts and cold planning required on newly paved streets.

 Purpose:

The Purpose of the Road Moratorium is to preserve and protect the integrity of the roadway infrastructure and the significant investment of public, local (Chapter 90) and Town funds used to complete this work. This includes all public roads that have received full width or full depth Reconstruction, Resurfacing, Overlay, or Pavement Preservation.

Effective Time Period:

The Road Moratorium effective time period begins upon the substantial completion date of the initial roadway paving or resurfacing project, and ends five full calendar years from January 1^st ensuing the Town’s acceptance of said roadwork. 

General:

During the effective time period, no Street Opening Permit will be issued or granted for any reason for the purpose of cutting, penetration or excavation into and within the roadway surface and is strictly prohibited, unless full restoration is conducted per the requirements of the Douglas Highway Department (“Highway”) Superintendent or duly authorized Designee (“Designee”). Exceptions are granted in the case of an extreme emergency such as a water main break, natural gas leak, or other public health and safety matter, as determined or agreed by the Highway Superintendent or Designee. Conditions of restoration and repairs shall be on a case by case basis as determined by the Highway Superintendent or Designee and will be detailed in Special Conditions for the Emergency Permit.

New Road Construction:

This Road Moratorium encompasses new road construction and the five full calendar year period will commence January 1^st ensuing the Town’s acceptance of such road. 

Street Opening Moratorium List:

 The Douglas Highway Department is responsible for maintaining and updating the Road Moratorium Street List. A list of streets covered by the Road Moratorium can be found on the Douglas Highway Department website (under Road Moratorium drop down menu) and will be updated, at a minimum, annually.

 Bond Requirements:

The Town of Douglas requires a bond for any work conducted involving an opening of the road within the Town’s Right of Ways. The Bond amount will be determined by the Highway Superintendent, or Designee, in coordination with the appropriate Town Department Head. Under no circumstance shall the bond be less than $5,000 (Five Thousand Dollars).

Policy Adopted By The Board of Selectmen February 20, 2024