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Benton County accepts Knife River bids, awards $1.372 million contract for two overlay projects
Summary
The county accepted bids from Knife River to advance two accelerated overlay projects on County Roads 43 and 66, awarding a combined construction contract of $1,372,000 and noting savings of about $472,000 versus the five‑year plan estimates.
Benton County moved up two roadway overlay projects after receiving bids that were well below engineer estimates and awarded a construction contract to Knife River for $1,372,000.
Public Works staff told commissioners the low bids — roughly 22–23% under the engineer’s estimate — put County Road 43 and County Road 66 projects ahead of the five‑year plan. The county engineer said Knife River’s per‑ton bid on mix was $49.40, a figure not seen in recent years, and that the combined projects are estimated to save about $472,000 compared with earlier estimates in the five‑year plan.
Why it matters: the projects will accelerate pavement improvements on County Road 43 (from Foley’s north city limit toward Cassau 3) and County Road 66 (filling a gap in recently awarded reclaimed segments), improving driving surfaces and preserving pavement life. Sales tax funds will pay for the work.
Project details and scope: staff recommended accepting Knife River as the lowest responsible bidder and authorized the county chair to sign the contract. The board approved the resolution and authorized the contract by voice vote.
Construction notes: staff said the reclaimed project and mill/overlay work will be staged so that County Road 66 will have a new driving surface throughout the targeted corridor by the end of the season. Commissioners discussed stump removal and reclaim processes on earlier project segments where stumps had caused issues.
Ending: Commissioners described the low bids as an opportunity to stretch sales tax dollars and noted increased contractor interest in public work. The board approved the contract and instructed staff to proceed with construction agreements and notifications to affected residents.
