Clay County approves $2.75M asphalt overlay and three other pavement contracts; officials explain cost drivers

Road and Bridge Director Tom Denhart presented four related resolutions to fund the county's pavement program and said the contracts were selected to match treatments to road condition and traffic levels.

The low bids and award amounts presented were: a $2,753,390.40 contract for 2-inch asphalt overlay to Superior Bowen; $167,547.50 for pavement markings to Hartland Traffic; $981,000.94 for chip sealing to Vance/Advance Brothers; and $878,886.18 for microsurfacing to Vance Brothers. Denhart noted the county's cost comparisons and centerline-mileage calculations when deciding which roads would receive which treatment.

"Upgrading a chip-sealed road to asphalt is roughly four times the price," Denhart said, explaining the county prioritizes upgrades on more heavily traveled secondary arterials and uses chip seal or microsurfacing on lower-volume roads to extend pavement life economically.

Commissioners asked about year-over-year price changes and the impact of fuel and asphalt markets; Denhart said asphalt indexes and fuel costs contribute to modest per-ton increases (roughly 35 percent in the most recent comparison) and that project contingencies are included to manage potential cost adjustments.

Denhart also described a $170,000 contract (resolution 202693) awarded to She Digs It for replacement of expansion joints on Collins Bridge; the work will close one lane with temporary signals and is planned to avoid peak recreation season when feasible.

The commission approved the pavement and bridge resolutions by unanimous vote.