Chip-seal project in Star Valley Ranch hit by mechanical failures but crews press forward

Administrator Aitken updated the council on the town's chip-seal road project, reporting that a third layer has been applied on Vista, Butte and West Street and that Custer, Bingham and Bear Lake roads still require one additional layer. Bonneville work is substantially progressing and Plat 5 was expected to begin within days, contingent on weather.

Staff recounted multiple setbacks during the project: two hydraulic line ruptures on the chip spreader and a computer failure on the tar truck, the latter with an estimated repair cost of about $5,000. Despite those issues, staff responded promptly and kept the schedule moving where possible. Follow-up tasks include locating and exposing water valves buried under the new chip seal using metal detectors, performing corner shots at intersections and conducting a full sweep to remove loose rock once the tar truck is operational again. After road completion, crews will resume residential water meter installation.

Councilman Toolson raised resident concerns about work on Vista Drive posted on social media. Administrator Aitken confirmed some finish work remains (corner shots, sweeping and addressing potholes) and urged patience while the new surface settles. Mayor Rok added that the Town Engineer, Ryan Welling, had evaluated prior claims that Vista required a 24-inch road base prior to chip sealing and found those claims inaccurate; the town had completed base preparation last fall before the initial chip-seal pass.

Officials said the project timeline remains dependent on equipment repairs and weather, and the town will notify residents about remaining work and expected clean-up activities.