Over $1 million awarded for roads project

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Supervisors awarded over $1 million to the county roads department during their regular meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Henry County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss met with the county Board of Supervisors for a weekly update and for the board to award the approved bid for grading to HMA Pavement Project ER (92).

With a unanimous decision, the board approved awarding $1,310,799.06 to Norris Asphalt Paving Company LC for the project.

In addition to awarding funds, Hotchkiss kept the board up-to-date on the current work with the roads department.

Territory Operators worked on road training on 215th Street.

According to Hotchkiss, they spent three days in the field on 215th Street and one day in class for training.

The crews learned new technics and Hotchkiss approves of the new information imparted to his crews.

“If you get a chance, drive the road, let us know what you think,” Hotchkiss said.

Crews also put in work on painting white lines, however, there is a wait to begin work on yellow lines as Henry County Roads wait on a needed replacement piece for some equipment.

In projects like line painting, Hotchkiss and the supervisors vividly see the stark increase in supply costs.

According to Hotchkiss the department had to wait on supplies on top of the monetary increase.

Though painting the yellow lines will have to wait, roads crews were able to complete the 208th Street rip rap and minor grading work, this past week.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com