Road crews finish first phase of 220 Third Street project; contractor to diamond-grind joints

County staff reported that the first phase of an 8-mile rehabilitation on 220 Third Street between Woodland and Metcalfe has opened to traffic and that work will continue on the remaining sections.

Matt Oler, project manager, said contractor Superior Bowen completed the first phase and opened traffic Friday. The rehabilitation includes full-depth patching, a 1-inch leveling course to restore a 2% cross slope, and a 2-inch resurfacing lift. Oler said the leveling course restores grade and improves ride feel but does not make the traveled way technically wider.

Oler and staff described a plant malfunction at the contractor’s planned asphalt plant, which caused intermittent starts and stops that left construction joints that are perceptible as "thuds" when driving eastbound. To address that, staff said the contractor will bring in a diamond grinder to plane and smooth joints once the entire 8-mile section is complete so grinder work can be done continuously.

Staff said about 15–20 deep-patch spots were identified in the first section, the work has been running "on or under" budget for rock material and field adjustments were made to avoid unnecessary full-depth excavation in areas with sound base. The contractor has been opening the road each night; no routine overnight closures had been required so far. Staff also flagged that improved pavement may increase driving speeds and suggested that law enforcement will likely need to address speed control after the corridor is finished.

The transcript does not include a final completion date or total contract dollar figures, nor the documented schedule for the remaining miles.