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Dunn County reports progress on County Road E paving, warns of rising maintenance costs and equipment delays
Summary
Field operations reported County Road E paving is more than halfway complete with binder and finish mat in places; crews paused crack‑filling while paving continues. Staff warned rising carbide blade, salt and fuel costs — and equipment delivery delays — are straining the highway maintenance budget.
Brent, county field operations lead, told the Highway Committee that paving on County Road E began May 5 and crews have finished final mat through town up to 650th, with binder and grading work largely complete.
"It's been a very busy morning already…currently we're working on County Road E project," Brent said, giving a status update on paving, grading and shouldering. He said crews have also completed paving for two townships (Sheridan and Hay River), are doing culvert work and shoulder widening on County Road I near San Creek, and have contractor crews completing pavement markings countywide.
Staff said they paused crack‑filling crews while paving is in progress and that unexpected culvert repairs added cost to the County Road E contract — one culvert found on the project was a seven‑foot diameter structure that needed replacement before asphalt placement. Brent said that inspection processes for culverts will be enhanced to better identify such issues earlier in project planning.
Committee members pressed staff on the condition of Highway B and whether the county or city is responsible for rough segments; staff clarified that some rough sections fall within city limits. Members also discussed fleet issues: delayed delivery of front plow assemblies (arrived months late), a shortage of graders and the need for timely repairs to keep trucks in service.
Staff reviewed blade usage and inventory, noting that rubber blades and carbide inserts have been used heavily this winter; Brent said the price of carbide blades has risen substantially and urged the committee to authorize updated quotes and procurement.
A highway staff member announced an impending retirement (described as 28 days away), and the committee discussed the hiring timeline and posting process for that position.
Brent highlighted new operational changes including retrofitting tandem trucks with brine and spray systems that allow more precise application and reporting; he said the brine approach has reduced salt use and been well received by drivers. No formal actions were taken on the paving or procurement items at the meeting; staff will continue project close‑out and return cost updates as bids and quotes are finalized.
