County engineers report progress on road overlay projects, PermaZyme trial set next

Kirkham & Michael representative C.W. Harper told the Seward County commission Monday that the county’s road overlay program is progressing and crews will next work on Road R and Mead Lake Road. Harper said the Stan Cutoff overlay is complete and Larabee has been paved; the contractor will move to Road V and Road 16 to avoid heavy truck traffic on newly paved surfaces.

Harper said the contractor fixed areas where the roadbed thickness was insufficient and that shouldering operations were under way. “They did a good job of fixing the issues,” Harper said, describing the contractor’s work on Larabee and the Stan Cutoff. He added that Panhandle Road had a culvert replaced, that crews are using millings in ditches and that the team expects about two weeks of work for Road R and similar time for Mead Lake Road.

Commissioners discussed next steps for right-of-way acquisition on a separate Road I project. Harper said a problematic drainage box that would interfere with a dam will be buried and flow directed to neighboring boxes, which will save money and simplify construction. The commission also discussed a planned PermaZyme trial; Harper said the county hopes to start that work soon to evaluate road outcomes from two different surfacing options.

Why it matters: Road overlays are capital projects that affect county maintenance budgets and local travel. Commissioners requested attention to pavement tie-ins at city limits and at the intersection leading to K-54.

What’s next: Harper said the contractor plans to shoulder Larabee and pave Road V south of Kismet this week, then proceed to Road R and Mead Lake Road. County staff will continue right-of-way work on Road I before starting acquisition for related segments.

Sources: Meeting transcript of the Seward County Board of County Commissioners, June 16, 2025; remarks by C.W. Harper (Kirkham & Michael).