THUNDER BAY-They look like the longest mini putt golf greens in the world.

As part of the road reconstruction, the city of Thunder Bay installed artificial turf on the boulevards on both sides of Balmoral Street.

It is now also paved on four traffic islands at the new roundabout under construction on Edward Street and Redwood Avenue.

So far, the results are encouraging.

Balmoral's work began in 2016.

The city has completed the section between William Street and Alloy Avenue.

Balmoral will eventually be rebuilt all the way north to Beverly Street.

Urban project engineer Mike Vogrig said that maintaining the natural grasslands along the main road is a unique challenge.

"We are facing a major problem with the death of vegetation on any type of boulevard, which is simply due to the amount of salt that must be used for road maintenance in winter. Because of the higher traffic volume on main roads, they tend to get more than ordinary residential streets."

Vogrig explained that in many cases, cities have installed hard surfaces, such as asphalt, on boulevards. Concrete or paving stones can also be used.

When designing the Balmoral Street project, officials decided to study other options.

Vogrig said: "After we have experienced many different scenarios and saw its use in other fields, we think this is a good choice for artificial turf on the boulevard." 

Drainage and rain are an important consideration in the Balmoral Street corridor, which previously had open ditches.

"We are moving from large open ditches to underground rainwater pipeline infrastructure... The advantage that artificial turf gives us is that it is permeable. When we design the project, any help that helps rainwater in the area is a benefit."

Vogrigg said that because artificial turf can penetrate, rainwater will seep into the ground instead of entering the rainwater pipe system.

He said that artificial grass is more expensive than asphalt, but cheaper than pervious concrete or other hard surfaces.

"We have an artery and we are worried about aesthetics and drainage, which seems to meet all standards."

Vogrig said the city is satisfied with the results so far.

"It's like a test run. It seems to be well maintained. The maintenance is minimal and it seems to be okay."

As long as weeds grow next to the turf, staff must be assigned to remove them.

However, this material is well adapted to street sweeping machines. When the street is also being cleaned, these machines are sent to clean up dirt and debris once or twice a year. 

Vogrig said that any future applications on other roads will be targeted at specific projects.

"If we enter another street where we are worried about drainage, weeding and winter control, this is another tool in the toolbox that we can look at," he said.

The turf used in this city is different from the artificial turf used in sports stadiums because it is not that thick.

About the author: Gary Rinne