Eddy County details $11.1 million spring–summer road program covering about 68 miles

Eddy County Public Works presented an alphabetized spring/summer 2026 road-maintenance and improvement list that will cover about 68 miles at an estimated cost of $11,100,000.

The presenter described a mix of treatments selected by road condition and traffic: full reclaim and rebuild where needed, double pin chip seals followed by microseals a year later to preserve pavement, and targeted asphalt paving at intersections that have failed under chip-seal approaches. "In conclusion, we have 68 miles road prepared for the spring and summer this year at a cost of 11,100,000.0," the presenter summarized.

Specific work called out included Brantley Road (about 9.9 miles; estimated 10 days and roughly $127,000), double pin chip-seal and widening on Carrasco Road to complete truck-route connectivity, and a two-foot widening on each side of Derrick Road with a 2-inch asphalt shoulder and subsequent full paving across the road. Staff explained timing constraints for chip sealing (ground temperatures consistently at 60°F) and the need to sequence double pin then microseal to extend life.

Commissioners asked about spot widening of a narrow bridge approach and whether concrete approaches should be studied at some intersections instead of asphalt; staff agreed to look into design alternatives. The presentation included a pledge to preserve unpaved roads and maintain pothole crews for emergent response.

What happens next: staff will proceed with procurement/contracting steps on the identified projects, return with schedules as seasonal windows open, and explore concrete approach options where commissioners requested further study.