City Commission awards $963K chip and seal project to Helena Sand and Gravel

The Helena City Commission has awarded a significant contract for its annual chip and seal project, aimed at prolonging the life of local roads. During the regular meeting on April 21, 2025, Deputy Director Cooley presented the bid details, revealing that Helena Sand and Gravel was the sole bidder, offering a price of $963,505.20. This amount reflects a slight increase from the previous year, attributed to rising material and labor costs.

The chip and seal process involves applying a layer of gravel and oil to existing asphalt, which helps maintain road quality and reduces the need for more extensive repairs in the future. Cooley explained that the city follows a rotating schedule for road maintenance, typically applying chip seal to areas that were overlaid the previous year. This year’s project will focus on several locations, including Boulder and Sixth Avenue, which have recently undergone overlays.

Commissioners expressed interest in the selection process for project locations, with Cooley clarifying that the city assesses road conditions to determine where chip seal is most beneficial. The commission unanimously approved the motion to award the contract and authorized the city manager to finalize the agreement with Helena Sand and Gravel.

This decision is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve infrastructure, ensuring safer and more durable roads for Helena residents. As the city continues to manage its road maintenance program, officials anticipate a shift towards more overlay projects in the coming years, balancing the need for both chip seal and overlay treatments.