County highway official reports Air Force overlays, gravel stockpiles and plans for road hearings

Banner County highway staff told commissioners on June 3 that the U.S. Air Force is scheduled to begin overlays on county roads near the missile site and northwest Harrisburg, and that the county plans to widen a narrow section of Road 7 using gravel the Air Force will make available.

Jay, Banner County highway superintendent, said the Road 7 project will be widened to at least a 25-foot minimum standard and that the county will save material by stockpiling Air Force gravel at multiple locations, including a large stockpile at Johnson’s Yard. He said crews expect Air Force contractor trucks working on County Road 6, east of Highway 71, in the coming weeks.

Jay and commissioners discussed setting a public hearing date for road rehabilitation for Road 1 and Road 6; the highway superintendent said they are aiming to complete work and have materials ready by July 1 and asked the clerk to place a road hearing date on the next agenda. The board directed staff to set a date so the county can meet public-notice deadlines.

Commissioners and highway staff also noted localized storm damage and larger rocks being left in ditches after recent repairs; the superintendent said crews are addressing problem spots and awaiting parts for equipment repairs and trailers.

No formal vote was taken on a specific contract or bid during the meeting; commissioners asked staff to prepare a hearing notice and gather any required rehabilitation details for the next meeting.