Commission authorizes detour agreement; highway staff report Fort Mead Way regraveling and dust treatments

Commissioners discussed a proposed detour agreement that would allow construction traffic to use county roadways (Deadwood Avenue) while holding project partners responsible for damages. Highway staff said the agreement now includes Pennington County for a phase-2 extension and recommended documenting pre- and post-condition with photos and video. A motion to authorize the agreement was made (moved by Talbot, seconded by Rich) and commissioners directed staff to document edges and consider temporary restrictions if needed.

Highway staff also briefed the commission on a three-mile project on Fort Mead Way (from Pleasant Valley north) that included regraveling, base stabilization and ditch work. The contractor applied mag chloride and a polymer binder to reduce dust; staff said the binder "helps hold it together" and that safety data sheets for the products were available for public review. Commissioners expressed concern about potential wear from heavy truck traffic originating from gravel pits and discussed documenting conditions and possible weight or speed restrictions.

Staff said most plow blades are under warranty, that some older motors failed on 2013 equipment, and that the county seeks to have about 10 blades in service for winter. No specific funding changes were proposed at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to report back on road condition monitoring after the detour is in use.

The commission authorized the detour agreement and instructed highway staff to monitor and document road condition and to consider restrictions or mitigation measures if increased truck traffic causes damage.