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Roads and Bridge update: winter readiness, chip seal complete; county approves construction manager for Corbett Creek project
Summary
Road and Bridge Superintendent Ty Barger told commissioners his crews completed chip seal and other pavement preservation work, are nearly ready for winter operations, and are preparing an RFP for the Corbett Creek flood project; the board also approved a construction-management contract with Escalante.
Ty Barger, Ouray County Road and Bridge superintendent, reported on pavement preservation, stormwater repairs and winter fleet preparations during the Oct. 7 BOCC meeting and described the county’s approach to recent pavement striping work.
Barger said crews finished chip-seal and surface-course work on Escarpment Road and County Road 24A and completed stormwater damage repairs on County Road 7/7A. He told commissioners crew preparations for winter are about 90% complete and that staff are standing by for forecasted heavy precipitation that weekend. Barger said the department is restarting previously deferred service requests and will update the county’s 1- and 6-year road plan as budget variables settle.
Pavement markings and striping Barger described the county’s decision to purchase a smaller striping machine rather than hire a large, purpose-built striping truck. Contract quotes for outside striping were high relative to the county budget, he said, so staff purchased a roughly $25,000 striping buggy and paint and applied the markings in-house. He said the small machine is more sensitive to pavement irregularities and the accelerated schedule contributed to some unevenness in the lines; Barger said the county will refine the process and allocate more time in the future.
Corbett Creek project and construction management Barger and county staff told the board they are preparing the construction RFP for the Corbett Creek flood project and that the board approved an agreement with Escalante Construction Management and Engineering to serve as construction manager. County staff said Escalante’s fee proposal showed potential cost savings and will help the county move from design into construction procurement. The board voted unanimously to approve the Escalante agreement and directed staff to begin RFP development and easement negotiations with affected property owners.
Fleet and equipment Barger said several new multipurpose vehicles are in the upfitting process and currently at vendors for hydraulic and liquid‑unit installs. He said the county has not been given firm delivery dates and does not expect those vehicles this calendar year, so crews will maintain operations with existing equipment.
Ending Commissioners praised staff for completing seasonal pavement preservation and asked Barger to return with updates as the Corbett Creek procurement and winter preparations proceed.
