Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Roads topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents oppose Bear Mountain chip‑seal project, ask for speed signage and better notice
Summary
A Bear Mountain Road resident told the board she opposes the county’s chip‑seal/paving project, arguing it widened the lane, increased traffic speeds and dust, and changed the community’s rural character; she urged speed limit signs, hidden‑driveway warnings, cattle‑guard cleaning and better resident notice. Road staff said chip sealing of the stretch is expected within about a month and the county will pursue signage and enforcement.
Sue Ann Childers told the Grant County Board of Commissioners during public comment that she and other Bear Mountain Road residents oppose the county's chip‑seal/paving work on the one‑mile stretch that serves as an entry to the Gila National Forest. Childers said the work has widened sections of the lane, created lingering dust and increased speeds and traffic, and that residents were not given adequate notice or opportunity to respond.
“We are opposed to the chip‑sealing and paving construction project currently underway on Bear Mountain Road,” Childers said, and described neighborhood concerns including dust that exacerbates health issues, runoff that has damaged fences and driveways, a full cattle guard that needs cleaning and inconsistent road‑department responses to complaints. She said the community proposed mitigations when speaking with county staff earlier in 2026, including speed‑limit signs, hidden‑driveway signage, limiting grader passes along private property lines, and cleaning the cattle guard.
Road Department manager Mr. Rocco reported at the same meeting that his crews have been working on Bear Mountain—reclaiming eroded sections, installing culverts and rechanneling water—and said the county expects to chip‑seal the segment “in the next month.” He said crews have added culverts and other measures to control erosion and will continue maintenance and signing as needed.
Commissioner Stevens (chair) acknowledged resident concerns and emphasized the distinction between chip seal and paving, saying the county plans to add signage and the sheriff’s office has offered increased patrols: "We are going to try to get better signage," he said, and thanked residents for civic engagement. Commissioners and staff agreed to take resident input into account as the work continues and noted avenues for residents to request placement of items on future agendas for more detailed review.
What’s next: Road Department said chip sealing is scheduled soon; residents may request a future agenda item or contact county staff for further notice and mitigation measures.
