Snead gives update on contract rock

     With Secondary Roads planning for an April 14 letting date for contract rock, County Engineer Derek Snead provided an update to the Board of Supervisors during their March 31 board meeting.

     Secondary Roads is planning for 58,000 tons of rock to cover 180 miles of gravel roads throughout the county. This would amount to spending approximately $800,000.

     “This is similar to what we did last year with tonnage and miles,” commented Snead. “The cost is a little less.”

     Snead explained the contract amount is for $725,000, with a couple of additional roads added to the program. Snead said he’d like to see the rock placed on July 16, and there would be liquidated damages reduced from the contracts.

     With the extra mileage added in, Snead said that would all depend upon the spring weather.

     “We reduced the mileage slightly for unforeseen road needs,” he said.

     The board asked about the gradation of the rock placed on gravel roads. Snead explained that the DOT does not specify rock gradation.

     “It’s similar to a number of other counties across the state,” he said. “Our vendors supply us with a gradation report.”

     Supervisor Wayne Manternach said he’s heard a concern that the stone/rock on the roads turns to limestone and dust pretty quickly after a rain. He asked Snead if Secondary Roads would be aggressive with its testing.

     “Linn County tested its quarry stone and they’re in compliance with the DOT,” Snead answered. He said if Jones County chose to do the same, the county could end up paying more money and rocking fewer roads.

     “If we’re not getting a product that lasts,” said Manternach, “is it worth talking to the quarries about our concerns?”

     Snead said Jones County has changed its gradation from three-fourths-inch rock to one-inch rock.

     “That has helped a lot,” he said. “If the rock breaks down, we still have large aggregate sizes.”

     Snead explained the roads are losing rock due to vehicle traffic patterns, not the degradation of the rock.

     “The heavy loads (of ag equipment) mash it up pretty good,” he said.

     County Supervisor Ned Rohwedder asked about the possibility of rocking Violet Road. Snead said there is sufficient aggregate on the road, which is scheduled for seal coating and patching with Kluesner Construction.

     “He’ll do a number of our roads this spring, and we added Violent Road to the project,” said Snead.