County outlines urgent road repairs after recent weather; Barnes Drive contract expected Monday

Mike Moss, Cowlitz County public services director, and county engineering staff briefed the Board of Commissioners on storm-related road impacts and near-term repairs. On Toutle Park Road, Moss said crews have monitored sloughing and that survey crews are ready to resurvey “at a moment's notice” depending on river and rain conditions. He told commissioners neighbors are meeting to discuss alternate access to a gun range and that staff expect a follow-up update after that meeting.

On Barnes Drive, staff reported a completed survey and a contract reviewed by legal and with the contractor for signature; staff said they expect to bring the contract to the board Monday so work can begin and estimated a 10–15 day construction window. Staff confirmed the contractor language includes FEMA required provisions and prevailing wage rates so the county can later seek reimbursement. “We have made sure that we're including all of their required language in our contract, and the prevailing wage rates that are required,” staff said.

Holcomb Road was closed after a landslide but stopped moving and was ground out, patched and reopened. Commissioners also discussed recurring concrete-panel lifts on West Canyon View and proposed scheduling in-house repairs of a few panels each summer, noting an in-house panel repair in the past cost roughly $14,000. Staff recommended adding drainage and underdrains on sections with springs to reduce recurring failures.

The board discussed delineators on narrow roads that lack fog lines to assist older drivers and property owners. No formal vote occurred on repairs or funding at the meeting; staff said they would bring final contract documents and follow-up updates to the board.