E-45 road project pushes forward

     With the weather turning cooler, County Engineer Derek Snead expressed some concerns during the Oct. 23 Jones County Board of Supervisor meeting regarding the County Road E-45 project.

     The concrete overlay project encompasses just over 5 miles of roadway. It starts from the intersection of County Road X-40 and E-45 in Morley to the westerly corporation limits of Olin. A bridge replacement project and grading are also associated with this project, along with work driveway entrances.

     In a press release from Snead, it states that “the road will be impassable at times while bridge grading and paving work occurs.”

     Concrete paving was slated to begin on Oct. 24, starting in Morley and working toward the east to Olin. Snead said if the weather cooperates, the contractor, Cedar Valley Construction, could take on 3,000 to 4,000 feet a day.

     “A good first day would be 3,000 to 3,500 feet,” said Snead. “But once they get going, they could have a day where they get close to a mile.”

     He said if weather takes a turn for the worse, the contractor might look to tackle 1,500 to 2,000 feet.

     “We’re probably looking at eight days of paving, which is going to be pretty dependent on the weather,” explained Snead. “As far as precipitation, we’re probably ok until the middle of next week. But it’ll take eight working days of paving.”

     Snead is hopeful by the end of this week the contractor is close to Olin.

     The main line of paving is likely to spill into the first full week of November.

     The curb/gutter, driveways and road connections, as well as the paved shoulder/safety edge could commence next spring. Snead said the driveway pipes have already been installed. Though, again, if the November weather is warmer than usual, Snead said everything with the exception of the shoulder could be done by mid-November.

     “They’ll have to come back and do the 3-foot wide paved shoulders,” said Snead. “Once the dirt starts freezing, we can’t grade anymore. It will very likely spill into next year.”

In other county business:

     • Per Snead’s recommendation, the board set the date and time for the Five-Year Secondary Road Construction Program hearing for Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.

     The hearing will be held at a new location this year, at the County Engineer’s Office on Highway 64.

     Snead told the supervisors he could have a draft copy of the proposed road program to them by Nov. 20.

     The regular board of supervisors meeting will also take place at the Engineer’s Office prior to the road hearing.

     • The board approved a request from JETS Director Kathy Koerperich to rescind her notice of retirement.

     • The board approved a road setback variance through Secondary Roads for a 30-by-40-foot building in Center Junction.

     Mike Meade is looking to build the accessory, detached garage. Snead said there is no issue on his end regarding sight distance on Prospect Street or building posing a traffic hazard.

     “There’s little-to-no possibility of us ever buying right of way,” Snead said.