Public works outlined its 2026 road program timeline, major projects and equipment investments during the budget workshop.

Scope and schedule: staff said they plan roughly 61 miles of chip seal this season, with work beginning in the next three weeks and township chip‑seal projects coordinated to allow FEMA‑funded repairs. The county expects to begin milling/widening/whitening work in July and to resume chip seal in mid‑September, weather permitting.

New equipment and capital: the department bought an asphalt paver intended to let crews do smaller paving patches and overlays in‑house rather than contracting all work. Officials said that capability will let the county repair and overlay roads without opening newly finished pavement later for drainage pipe replacement.

Drainage and roadway upgrades: crews are prioritizing long-life repairs — concrete pipe replacements where feasible instead of metal pipes — to minimize future re‑excavation and increase expected service life. Road and Bridge said major deep‑pipe work is underway on Northwest 30th (a crane set and multi‑week closure were anticipated) and that they plan to set priorities so pavement will not be reopened after overlaying.

Safety and work‑zone enforcement: the department plans to widen many lanes to 12–13 feet driving surfaces and add temporary safety measures at active work sites (radar speed signs, enforceable work‑zone setups coordinated with the sheriff’s office and temporary rumble features) to reduce flagger and crew risk.

Why it matters: Road and Bridge work affects traffic, townships and capital demands. Staff said buying the paver and emphasizing long‑lasting drainage fixes will raise upfront costs but reduce lifecycle expense and avoid reopening roads shortly after overlay.

Ending: staff requested continued support for the equipment plan and said they will manage phasing to minimize disruption and to coordinate with township FEMA work and bridge/building fund adjustments.