Ellis County, Hays staff advance plans to resurface 40 Eighth Street and Vineyard/Commerce bypass; city contribution pending

Ellis County Public Works Director Brandon McKay and County Administrator Darren Myers briefed commissioners Feb. 18 on two road projects: repairs to 40 Eighth Street and a resurfacing of the Vineyard/Commerce corridor (the Home Depot bypass).

McKay said contractor Bettis supplied detailed estimates and recommended a 4‑inch finished pavement (two 2‑inch lifts) for 40 Eighth Street to avoid step‑ups at private driveways and to limit reflective cracking. “They felt that we'd have a better finished product with 4 inches, and I agree as well,” McKay said. He noted that a thicker final surface also reduces the need to grind entrances later.

Myers said the city of Hays has tentatively committed $200,000 toward the 40 Eighth Street project and an additional contribution for the Vineyard segment (the city manager suggested about $177,000 for a city‑owned portion). County staff said KDOT resurfacing work on nearby state routes created an opportunity to piggyback off shared mobilization and mix plant arrangements, which lowered contractor pricing compared with an independent local bid.

The county reported roughly $1.15 million in capital set aside and an estimated combined cost (county share plus expected city shares and add‑alternates) in the range of $1.31 million. McKay said the county can proceed with the original scope within current county funds if the city does not finalize contributions, but added that doing the alternate (4 inches) is preferred for longevity.

Commissioners asked technical questions about cores, subgrade condition and drainage; McKay said historical mix designs produced “an asphalt material failure, not a base material failure” on 40 Eighth and that additional lifts reduce the chance of reflection cracking. The Vineyard/Commerce work will include ditch cleaning, culvert upgrades at three locations, and reshaping and priming the base before paving.

Myers said the city commission will discuss the proposals at an upcoming meeting; county staff will return with a finalized cost and a city funding commitment at the March 4 commission meeting. Commissioners signaled support for moving forward with city coordination and for proceeding so long as the city contribution is confirmed. No formal budget appropriation was made at the Feb. 18 meeting.

Why this matters: Both road segments carry heavy traffic and have experienced pavement failures. Commissioners said the work would reduce maintenance and improve safety; they also asked the county to document future maintenance responsibilities — including which segments the city would maintain after annexation or post‑paving.

Ending: Staff will continue coordination with Hays city officials; the commission will revisit cost shares and a final award after the city’s decision.