Yes, the 2005 Platte County road and bridge department’s annual report may reflect a small percentage of roadway failures, however Public Works Director Greg Sager is not letting that distract his plans for the county’s roads and bridges in 2006.
Sager last week addressed that fact and his plans for the upcoming year.
“At the end of 2005, there are a small percentage of roadways that have failed, but by-and-large the roadways under jurisdiction of our road districts are generally in good condition,” Sager told the county commission on Thursday.
“We are continuously working toward improving the condition of our road system. This report will present a plan to address the most problematic roads and complaints by road surface types for 2006.”
Over the last year, the county has serviced 479.25 miles of roadway. During that time, the county expended over $2.5 million in improving several bridges and roadways.
In 2005, Sager reported that Jones-Myer Road, Phase 1 project was completed, along with the replacement of Naylor Creek Bridge and drainage and surface improvements.
“Through an increased focus on road maintenance and a complete reorganization of public works and the county road department’s personnel, several other drainage and surface improvements were made,” said Sager.
Of those projects, East Martin Road, was the second project completed in rural Platte County that was specifically named in the Roads Master Plan.
The Baker Road Bridge was replaced and Baker Road was realigned to N Highway. The Spring Street Bridge in Weston was also replaced.
“Many long overdue surface rehabilitation projects were undertaken and 2005 also presented us with information that identified where several more improvements to our roadways and roadway maintenance system need to be made,” stated Sager.
On Thursday, Sager also announced the road department’s projected 2006 budget. The total budget, $304,375, is dependent upon the transportation sales tax revenue.
Sager’s budget is broken down as follows: special projects-Green Acres Subdivision road repairs and resurfacing-50% ($152,188); right-of-way improvements and maintenance-30% ($91,313); bridge and culvert maintenance-10% ($30,438); and asphalt overlay reserve program-10% ($30,438).
“This year Platte County will continue to strive to improve our road system by managing transportation projects funded by the 3/8 cent sales tax passed in April of 2003,” said Sager. “Our plan is to continue working toward completing all high priority projects that the tax allows the county to address.”
According to Sager, some of the most needed road and bridge improvements in the county are the replacement of the Thomas Street Bridge in Weston, as well as repair or replacement of Stanton Road Bridge, Cogan Road Bridge and Macadow Road Bridge in the Weston Special Road District.
“In 2006, we plan to replace more of the county’s deficient bridges and improve many of the rural county roads,” Sager reported to the commission.
Roads in need of attention that have been placed on the county’s radar include: Jones-Myer Phase II, Northwest Farley-Hampton Road, Baker Road and Hillsboro Road.
“We are in the planning and design stages for improving Humphrey’s Road from 45 Highway all the way to Running Horse Road,” said Sager.
“Platte City Special Road District has plans to begin work on this project following the conclusion of the school year.”
Frank Offutt of the Platte City Special Road District confirmed Sager’s announcement.
“Our plans are to remove the asphalt on 136th Street, as well as Humphrey’s Road on May 26, the first day after the last day of school,” said Offutt.
Offutt told the commissioners he is estimating the roads will be completed by the first day of school on Aug. 16.
Sager also reported there are plans for Humphrey’s at N. Farley Road.
“The county has plans to rebuild the intersection of Humphrey’s and N. Farley Roads immediately following the completion of Platte City Special’s project at N Highway,” stated Sager.
In order to ensure funding of the projects, Sager said the county will rely on several avenues of revenue.
“A combination of transportation sales tax, storm water sales tax, county, city and federal bridge funds will pay for these projects,” stated Sager.
“The commission has conservatively utilized a 5% growth rate for the transportation sales tax. We are on pace to exceed that 5% rate. Any increase over the modest 5% rate will generate more revenue that increases the funding received by every one of the recipients of the transportation tax.”
Other significant improvements to the county’s roads include: roadside drainage, dust control, vegetation management and brush control and a comprehensive maintenance program that extends the life-span of the county’s bridges.