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Road commission awards bridge engineering contract, flags fuel and material cost pressures
Summary
Van Buren County Road Commission awarded an engineering contract to Scott Civil Engineering for a long‑delayed bridge project, reported high fuel costs and discussed sealcoat and gravel road strategies as material prices shift; commissioners urged continued pursuit of state funding.
The Road Commission updated commissioners on capital and maintenance plans at the Feb. 25 meeting, reporting that the contract to design and inspect a long‑planned bridge in Waverly Township was awarded to Scott Civil Engineering. The commission said Scott’s price was about half that of the next bidder and noted they already inspect county bridges, which provides continuity.
The road report also highlighted operational pressures: the commission said it spent around $30,000 on fuel in a single recent month and is closely watching fuel and aggregate prices. Seal coat and fog seal remain key maintenance activities; the commission reported doing 244 miles of sealcoat last year out of roughly 1,100 paved county miles and said many townships are moving from slag to trap rock despite higher cost because it adheres better and makes quieter roads.
Staff described programmatic changes: reduced deburring on steep hills, offering double sealcoat conversions for some gravel roads, and purchasing new front‑end loaders and plow trucks. The commission noted possible state funding changes under discussion in Lansing that could increase road dollars by roughly 50% if enacted; staff said the political path is uncertain. Projects out for bid include County Road 388 (Ritter Arrow Highway) resurfacing and other seasonal work.
