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Star Valley Ranch to test magnesium chloride flakes for dust control; pothole fabric repairs to target priority roads
Summary
Public Works reported liquid magnesium chloride is costly and ineffective in the dry local climate; director proposed an experimental switch to magnesium chloride flakes and described a geofabric pothole remediation plan targeting priority arterial roads.
Public Works Director Zack Edwards told the council that more than 140 loads of road base have been brought in and work has begun on Vista Drive, but weather and third-party crossing repairs caused some delays. Edwards described a geofabric pothole-remediation method—excavate 8–10 inches, lay fabric and refill with compacted road base—that will be used on priority problem areas including the Vista-to-Green Canyon intersection and main bus routes.
Edwards said the town's existing liquid magnesium chloride program costs roughly $5,500 per application for both application trucks, performs poorly in Star Valley Ranch’s dry climate (it requires ambient moisture to activate), and can wash away after rain. He recommended testing dry magnesium chloride flakes as an alternative; Bonneville County reported successful results on a large network. Flakes can be applied with existing dump-truck and sander equipment and typically activate when wet. Edwards said a side-by-side test will allow staff to compare effectiveness, equipment impacts and costs before changing the program more broadly.
The Roads Advisory Board provided a prioritized inventory of all 31 town roads (arterial, collector, local) and recommended an experimental transition to powder/flake dust mitigation while addressing drainage issues. Council members asked staff to distribute the chip-seal priority lists to inform the FY2026-27 capital plan.
