County reports progress on road projects, new shop punch list and salt shed construction

County road and maintenance staff updated the Winnebago County Board on road projects and facility construction timelines. Staff reported that Fortieth Avenue grading is nearly complete, the center rock surface is passable, and ditches and culverts generally held up through recent heavy rains.

On paving, staff said hot-mix paving remains to be completed north of Rake, including portions of R 20 from Highway 9 to the state line and other nearby roads; staff expect paving to occur in a single phase. The Rice Lake project is scheduled as a 2026 work item; contracts have been executed and administrative steps completed. As an interim winter measure, staff will apply a thin asphalt patch on a culvert crossing so the county does not have to babysit the crossing through the winter.

Staff gave a construction update on the county’s new maintenance shop, saying most punch-list items remain small: concrete joints to be resawed on the approach pad, a small number of loose screws, a couple of roof leaks to track down, and interior concrete sealer. Grove Electric and Young Plumbing were reported nearly finished with interior work; cabinets are ready for installation. A salt shed delivery was expected in September, and staff discussed galvanised bolts and construction costs for that structure.

Staff said the county’s rock and gravel run is nearly complete and that road crews continue to blade and repair washouts after recent rains. No board action was taken; staff will continue construction close-out and road scheduling with contractors.