Middle Of Mana conducts demo for new asphalt microseal product

The Iowa County regular meeting held on August 29 focused on various operational updates and discussions regarding infrastructure maintenance.

The meeting began with a report on recent challenges faced by the office, including staffing shortages due to absences. Despite these difficulties, the team has been working diligently to manage ongoing projects.

A significant topic of discussion was the demonstration of a new product called GSB, a micro slurry sealant used for road maintenance. This product, which involves applying a mixture of oil and fine rock chips, was showcased following a successful project in Altoona. The demonstration took place on a city block in Middle Amana, specifically on 27th Avenue, west of the fire station.

The representatives explained that while the application process requires shutting down the road for approximately four hours, it offers a longer-lasting solution compared to traditional seal coats. However, the cost of this method is notably high, ranging from $3.50 to $4.00 per square yard, which could amount to $50,000 to $60,000 per mile.

The discussion highlighted the need for careful planning if the county decides to implement this method on a larger scale, particularly in the Amanas area. While some neighboring counties have adopted this approach, Iowa County is still evaluating its feasibility given the associated costs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to maintaining its infrastructure while navigating budgetary constraints and operational challenges. Further assessments will be necessary to determine the viability of the GSB product for future road maintenance projects.