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Becker County highways: $1.8M striping award, pilot of asphalt rejuvenator, overweight permits approved and Lake Park change‑order talks
Summary
The Becker County Highway Department awarded a $1.8 million district striping contract, approved a pilot project using an asphalt rejuvenator called Requiemite, adopted a special overweight permit policy, and authorized the highway committee to negotiate a change order for a Lake Park reclaim project (potentially up to $225,000).
Becker County’s highway department advanced several operations and capital items at the board meeting, awarding a district pavement striping contract, approving a pavement‑preservation pilot, adopting special overweight permit rules and authorizing negotiations on a Lake Park roadway reclaim change order.
The board voted to award the district‑wide edge stripe project to the low bidder, CamCo/ASL, at about $1.8 million — roughly 13% below the engineer’s estimate — as the county is the lead for a multi‑county striping contract. Commissioners also approved a pilot test of an asphalt rejuvenator product (Requiemite) on selected county and municipal streets and a highway parking lot; staff estimated the product’s cost at roughly $1.15 per square yard, comparable to in‑house sealcoat costs and expected to produce less loose rock and longer surface life.
Separately, the board adopted a special annual overweight permit process under Minnesota Statute 169.869 to allow vehicles with additional axles to carry higher gross vehicle weights for construction hauling without exceeding axle weight limits; the change is intended to reduce trip counts and improve efficiency for contractors hauling construction materials while still prohibiting use on load‑restricted bridges and roads.
On a local pavement issue, commissioners authorized the highway committee to negotiate a change order for the City of Lake Park mill/overlay project to convert a section north of the bridge to a full reclamation. Early contractor pricing placed the additional scope at about $250,000; the board authorized negotiations and ratification up to approximately $225,000 and asked staff to return with a ratification vote if the negotiated price is acceptable. Staff explained reclaiming the pavement would provide a longer‑term fix where surface distress is deeper.
Highway staff presented the annual highway report summarizing about $12 million in construction and $3.5 million in maintenance work in the prior year. Commissioners and staff discussed how underbid projects and federal/state reimbursements are managed; staff noted state aid and other program funds cover much of the work and that unspent funds from earlier projects can be used on subsequent projects.
Why it matters: The combined actions affect short‑ and long‑term road durability, contractor logistics, and county maintenance budgeting. The pilot rejuvenator could change routine preservation practices if it proves durable; the overweight permit expands hauling capacity consistent with state law; and the Lake Park reclaim, if authorized, would increase upfront costs but aims to reduce future repair needs.
