New painting method could add years of life to road markings

By BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

Jake Hotchkiss with the Henry County Engineers office had the majority of the floor during the Henry County Supervisors meeting at the Henry County courthouse on Tuesday.

The main issue on the weekly report given by Hotchkiss was a proposal for a new project to groove and paint center and edge lines on all concrete paved roads in Henry County.

?This is being paid for 100 percent by federal dollars with state dollars going in to back fill the remaining portion that must be paid for,? Hotchkiss explained. ?It is not going to cost local dollars at all.?

Henry County is one of the earlier counties in Iowa to use these specific funds given out by the state of Iowa for projects such as this.

What makes this project unique is the paint that will be used on center and edge lines. According to Hotchkiss, the paint that will be used for part of the project will be etched into the concrete rather than painted on top of the concrete as is done in most cases. This particular practice, according to reports, should allow the paint to last longer and prevent fewer touch ups once snow plows begin plowing and scratching at the concrete this winter.

?We should get more longevity out of this paint,? Hotchkiss said. ?Hopefully, it will reduce our costs long term on those sections of road.?

The project is tentatively set to begin Nov. 18 and is planned to be done late next spring or early in the summer of 2015.

Besides the new project proposal, Hotchkiss also brought a few other smaller projects to the attention of the board.

Currently closed to thru traffic is a one-mile stretch of road on 150th Street West of 218. Road grading is currently taking place on 150th while the weather forecast improves. Residents on this section of road can still expect access in and out while the roadwork progresses.

Also declared during the meeting was that preliminary plans for work on the Marsh Avenue bridge just North of Winfield Avenue is completed. Hotchkiss says that he will be setting up times to meet with landowners soon to discuss any concerns about traveling on this site during work times.

Last item of business on the docket was an announcement by Supervisor Gary See that a toxic clean-up event will be taking place on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the public works building at 1201 North Broadway Street.

This event will allow all residents of Mt. Pleasant and rural Henry County to safely dispose of household hazardous waste products. Those wishing to participate are being asked to refrain from brining latex paint (only oil and lead based paint will be accepted), motor oil, anti-freeze and containers over five gallons in size. These unwanted items should be taken to Great River Regional Waste Authority or the HazChem Center.

?It is important to know that this is only by appointment,? said See. ?It?s only happening for four hours, so be sure to make an appointment.?

To set up an appointment for the mobile clean up, call toll free at 1-877-429-2436 or 319-753-8758.

The next board of supervisors meeting will be on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 9 a.m. at the Henry County courthouse.