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Road and Bridge supervisor reports HRRR project delay, equipment repair needs and earlier retirement plans
Summary
Mark Loop, Road & Bridge, told commissioners on Feb. 14 that KDOT moved the HRRR project bid letting from June to August 2025 and that the job may start next year. He reported a failing tire machine (inspection travel $1,100; replacement about $6,000), possible blading delays due to cold weather and that he plans to move up his retirement date by several months.
At the Feb. 14 Rawlins County commission meeting, Road and Bridge supervisor Mark Loop reported that the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) delayed the High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) project's bid letting from June to August 2025, creating the possibility that the project will not start until next year.
Loop told commissioners he distributed two employment applications but had not received any returns, and said crews planned to blade roads next week but may be delayed by cold weather. He reported ongoing rock work northwest of Atwood. Loop also described equipment issues at the Atwood shop: a tire machine purchased in the mid-1990s needs repair, and Aurora, Neb., quoted $1,100 to travel to Atwood to inspect it; Loop said it would be cheaper for the county to bring the machine to Aurora. He estimated the cost of a new machine at about $6,000 and said staff will attempt to disassemble and diagnose the existing unit before purchasing a replacement.
Loop and the commissioners discussed his pending retirement; Loop said he needs to move his retirement date up by a couple of months and the board discussed hiring to fill the position when it becomes vacant.
The minutes do not record formal votes or financial authorizations tied to these operational updates; they are recorded as informational staff reports and planning items.
