Multiple residents told the Burke County commission during public comment that county roads near their homes are unsafe and requested prompt work; county staff said crews will begin crush-and-run and drainage work on at least one road beginning the next day and that larger culvert replacement bidding is ongoing.

Resident Ruby Carter told the commission that Glisson/Lisonbee Road conditions obstruct sightlines and create safety risks at driveways and at the church located on the route. “It’s a tragedy waiting to happen,” she said, urging commissioners and staff to act. The commission responded that staff would cut weeds and inspect the right-of-way.

Another resident, Leticia, representing Cartown/Midby, said her road has been on a paving list for more than two years and asked for an update; county roads staff confirmed equipment would move to the road to begin crush-and-run base work and drainage improvements “tomorrow,” and estimated the work could take about two months. Staff described crush-and-run as placement of a compacted gravel base and said there is not enough room at the site for asphalt paving.

County roads staff also reported multiple locations where Comcast had cut through cross drains, leaving pipes and casings that did not meet the county’s installation standards. Staff said the county is collecting the cost of repairs Comcast will be required to reimburse and that the county will perform certain repairs to county standards.

On larger infrastructure needs, county staff said they are preparing to reissue bids for culvert work and that the overall project scope is approximately $8 million; staff said they are seeking more competitive bids and will work with a third party as needed to clarify bid specifications. The commission authorized staff to extend or reissue bid solicitations so competitive offers can be obtained.

Commissioners thanked road crews for recent work on district roads and acknowledged residents’ concerns. No new county expenditure beyond existing repair and bid-authority actions was authorized during public comment; staff will return with bid results and schedules for the crush-and-run work.