Section 222 - Specifications1. It is the intent of this article that the improvement, repair or reconstruction of such town highways, including necessary grade and culvert work and any plans and specifications thereof, shall conform generally to the following minimum specifications, with such exception as hereinafter provided in this section. Such minimum specifications shall include,(a) raising of roadbed above grade, (b) grading backslope and eliminating brush, (c) widening of roadbed to not less than eighteen feet, (d) surfacing with gravel or other suitable material to a depth of not less than twelve inches, which shall be stabilized with suitable binding materials at such time during the current construction season or the following construction season, and in such form and amount as the department of transportation shall determine, (e) widening shoulders to not less than five feet, (f) providing for adequate drainage facilities, (g) if necessary, providing for vegetative protection on the sides of state or municipally owned slopes bordering on highways to prevent erosion of soil and to conserve water, and (h) providing for the construction or reconstruction of necessary bridges, subject to the provisions of section two hundred twenty-four of this article. Within such general specifications, each project shall be completed in accordance with a design and specifications approved by the county superintendent and the commissioner; provided, however, the county superintendent and the commissioner may permit deviations below such minimum specifications in planning or during the course of completion of the work, if, in their opinion, the particular circumstances make the deviation advisable. 2. The improvement, repair or reconstruction of such town highways, including necessary grade and culvert work, in order to facilitate snow removal, improve drainage and build up roadbed, shall be guided by such intent and minimum specifications.