Sullivan County public works staff warn of tightened salt supplies, outline bridge and paving plans

Sullivan County Public Works staff told the committee at a public meeting that they have been notified of possible winter salt shortages and outlined schedules and costs for bridge replacements, a large paving program and related safety work.

Public works staff said a regional vendor has signaled reduced supply, and the county is shifting to the vendor the department normally uses. “He’s kinda put us on notice,” Ed, a public works staff member, said, adding that the county is currently about 70% stocked and has enough for several storms.

The salt warning came alongside a detailed briefing on bridge and paving work planned for the coming seasons. Staff said several bridge projects are scheduled: Bridge 77 on County Road 22 is expected to finish this season, beams for Pflugertown Road were expected by Oct. 1, Bridge 301 work is slated to start in 2026, and two larger bridge projects near Swan Lake and Livingston Manor are being planned for 2027. Staff estimated one bridge replacement discussed would be in the $4,000,000 range.

Why it matters: reduced salt availability could affect winter storm response and municipal budgets, while multi‑year bridge and paving projects determine road closures, contractor schedules and capital outlays.

Staff described the county's paving program as follows: bids are out for roughly $8,000,000 of work covering about 34 miles, of which staff said 16 miles will be heavier, full‑depth repairs (reconstruct, let settle, then top coat next year). Staff later said 18 miles constitute full paving; the committee was told the county will also perform about 36 miles of chip seal and about 36 miles of sealcoat work, and crackseal an additional 24 miles. A chip‑seal bid was reported at $2,230,000. The county plans to increase striping to about 95 miles, with striping work described as roughly $375,000. Guide‑rail replacement was described as approximately 15,000 feet (about 3 miles) and estimated at about $1.25 million.

Public safety work at a recurring high‑accident location on Frasier Road drew questions from legislators. Staff said the first step is changing the vertical alignment on that road as part of early paving so drivers can see approaching vehicles; the project will also add more stop‑ahead signage and reflective posts. Staff cautioned that a four‑way stop is likely to increase rear‑end collisions and said the department will try sight‑distance fixes and signage first.

Staff also described lifespan expectations for new bridge construction, noting they designed for a 50‑year baseline life using precast concrete beams and post tensioning, with routine maintenance required.

The committee was told of upcoming workforce and equipment matters: seasonal hiring and wage considerations (staff said they would like to raise seasonal wages to attract candidates), recent vehicle deliveries (a new road tractor and a Western plow truck), and several retirements on the horizon. The road maintenance superintendent, Tom Donnelly, was announced as planning to leave in April; staff said his experience in flood and snow operations will be difficult to replace.

No formal votes on capital projects or procurement were recorded during the portion of the meeting covered by the transcript; staff said bids are out and projects are in planning or early procurement stages.

Ending: Staff asked committee members to expect further updates as bids close and consultants finalize plans for the 2026 and 2027 construction seasons. The department said it will monitor salt inventory and contractor schedules and report back when there are changes to availability or cost.