Supervisors approve change order to widen repair on Fire Tire Road drainage crossing

The Hancock County Board of Supervisors approved a change order (No. 5) to the contract for the Fire Tire Road drainage improvements to authorize a wider mill-and‑repair of the roadway over a recently installed drain crossing.

County staff and the project engineer said the patched area had exhibited settlement due to weak base material on both sides of the crossing. The contractor recommended a 10‑by‑45‑foot repair extending beyond the original patch so the new surface will ride smoothly over the pipe. The board approved authorizing the work and the associated change order; the motion carried 5–0.

Staff reported the change order will increase the contract price (staff described bid-item adjustments and estimated final net effect would be approximately a 1.6% increase over the original contract once a forthcoming deductive closeout change order is applied). The board was told the change order includes a 14‑day time extension and a stated interim price adjustment (meeting discussion referenced an $86.25 figure tied to the time extension and contract adjustment). After the wider repair is completed and inspected, staff said they will return to the board with a closeout, deductive change order to balance bid items and finalize the contract amount.

Supervisors emphasized safety and traffic control for the work zone and noted some base‑material issues were not visible until work progressed. The motion authorized the county to proceed with the specified repair to stabilize the crossing and improve rideability for vehicles, including trailers.