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County hears road‑work schedule, hard‑surface evaluation RFP results and pushes site review for speed reduction
Summary
County staff outlined summer road projects (Cottonwood Road resurfacing and bridge replacement June 8–19), district material needs (~30,000 tons total), a recommended vendor for a hard‑surface evaluation, and asked staff to study lowering speeds on a short section near County Road G and report back with MUTCD guidance and enforcement input.
County staff briefed commissioners on multiple transportation items affecting summer travel and maintenance.
A Forest Service representative described a Cottonwood Road project expected to close the road for construction June 8–19 for resurfacing and a bridge replacement; the project will widen some curves to accommodate log trucks and improve drainage and historic stone culverts. Staff warned that localized traffic holds could occur during construction but said delays should generally be limited to about 15 minutes.
On county operations, staff compiled district material needs for the season and reported roughly 30,000 tons of aggregate countywide (district estimates provided: Cortez ~5,500 tons; Mancos/Dolores ~14,940 tons; Roundup ~9,000 tons). Road and Bridge crews anticipate starting shoulder work next week and will source much material from local pits.
The county opened 10 bids for a hard‑surface evaluation RFP. Staff reported substantial variance across proposals and recommended selecting a local firm (Jones and Deil) based on the scoring matrix and a flat‑fee approach that reduces the likelihood of change orders.
Commissioners also discussed a short stretch at County Road G near a new parking lot where vehicles enter from a corner. Several commissioners asked staff to inspect the corridor, consult the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the sheriff/state patrol if needed, and return with a recommended speed and signage; options discussed included reducing the posted speed (current signs were reported in some places as 40 mph, with alternatives between 30 and 25 mph discussed).
Staff also presented a preliminary surplus equipment list (about a dozen items, including trailers, an International 4700, a Freightliner and a crusher screen box) and said the county would finalize that list and coordinate auctioning through Purple Wave.
Why it matters: planned closures and maintenance affect commuters, commuters carrying timber, local businesses and residents. Commissioners requested a prompt follow‑up on the County Road G signage and speed recommendation.
Next steps: county staff will inspect the County Road G site, consult MUTCD guidance and enforcement partners and return with a formal recommendation; staff will finalize the surplus list and move forward with procurement or auction logistics.
