Silver Creek Township sends multiple roads to bid, lists 150th Street as alternate after resident objections

The Silver Creek Township Board of Supervisors voted March 3 to send engineering plans for several road projects to bid and to include 150th Street as an alternate after residents raised concerns about its removal from this year’s schedule.

Residents, including Ryan Olsen, told the board they were disappointed that 150th Street had been removed from the township’s list for this year. They cited the cost of calcium chloride road treatment and delays related to the Locke Lake Watershed culvert study as reasons the board should reconsider timing and scope for several roads.

After public comment the board discussed surface options and sequencing, contrasting a traditional chip seal over gravel with a higher-cost product called Ultra Bond that the board said could deliver superior durability. Board members also expressed sympathy for residents where repairs have been delayed because culvert replacement may require later excavation that could undo a new surface.

Vice Chair Geyen moved, Supervisor Nelson seconded, and the board carried the motion 4-0 to send the following roads to the engineer for bid preparation: Curtis, Clementa and Barton Avenues; and 155th, 159th and 134th Streets. The motion specifies that 150th Street be included as an alternate bid for both chip seal and Ultra Bond options.

The board instructed staff (Chris Klein) to deliver project materials to Otto Engineering for the bid process. The resolution to prepare bids does not itself appropriate funding or award construction contracts; those steps will be decided after the engineering work and a formal bid process.

The board noted the Locke Lake Watershed culvert study remains a factor in planning timelines. The board did not adopt a construction schedule at the meeting; instead it directed the engineer to prepare bid documents that will allow the board to evaluate cost and sequencing once bids return.