Sewer repairs left Milton/Kado corridor damaged; engineers estimate long‑life asphalt rehabilitation at roughly $400,000

Public works and city engineers told the Feb. 28 work session that emergency sewer replacement projects on Milton and Kado Streets left sections of roadway in degraded condition and that a long‑life fix will be more expensive than a simple gravel or chip‑seal repair.

Engineers said the sewer contractor’s contract called for returning pavements to existing condition and that much of the stretch was originally gravel or chip‑sealed; in locations tested, the underlying subgrade is poor and a durable reconstruction would include cement‑stabilized subgrade and a 2–3‑inch hot‑mix asphalt overlay. Staff estimated a corridor‑level rehabilitation could exceed $400,000, and recommended soliciting competitive bids for road work rather than exceeding the 25% contractual change‑order threshold with the sewer contractor.

Council members asked whether chip‑seal would be an interim, lower‑cost option. Engineers warned that chip‑seal performs poorly where heavy turning, short wheelbases (school buses) or poor underlying materials exist. The staff recommendation was to scope the reconstruction, obtain competitive bids, and return with an item for the March meeting.

Why it matters: Rebuilding to a longer‑lasting standard increases first‑cost but reduces recurring repair and maintenance costs and improves safety and rideability.

What’s next: Staff will produce a bid package and return with a recommended March agenda item for authorization to solicit bids and, if funds are available, proceed with reconstruction.