Public Works flood repairs

County prepares to repair water-damaged roads before winter weather

PRESS RELEASE
August 8, 2011

Under an emergency measure, the Garfield County Board of Commissioners, using its statutory authority, waived a requirement to advertise bidding for three road projects, based on the need for immediate repairs for the safety of the traveling public. By statute, the BOCC is generally required to advertise construction projects for a minimum of ten days.

For repairs needed following spring runoff flooding on County Road 320, the BOCC voted Monday to award a contract to Con-Sy Inc., after county staff sought three bids from local contractors for the work. The contracted bid award is for approximately $459,000. Included in the bid is the installation of five upsized culverts, the addition of two new culverts, building of a mechanically stabilized wall, and replacement of road sub-base, base and new pavement in damaged areas. The road has been closed to through traffic since June 7, 2011.

County Road 320 construction will commence immediately. “The repairs, start to finish on County Road 320 should only take 30 days and should wrap up by the end of September,” said Garfield County Public Works Director Betsy Suerth. “In the meantime, and during construction, County Road 309 will continue to be the alternative haul route and detour for local traffic until the original road is fully repaired.”

In addition, upon completion of engineering design work, county staff will seek construction easements and additional bids for the repairs of County Roads 100 and 115. Again, the procurement process will be expedited in the interest of public safety for these roads, damaged by severe rainstorms over the summer. Repairs will include installation of larger culverts and of new culverts, and mechanically stabilized walls.

The budget for County Roads 100 and 115 projects could be upwards of $1.5 million. The BOCC will consider a budget supplement in the coming weeks for support of these projects.