The lowest oil prices in the last seven years could translate into a dip in asphalt prices.
On Tuesday, elected leaders could take advantage of potential cost savings, completing as much road repairs as possible by awarding American Pavement Systems with a bid for the Robert Avenue and Fourth Street Cape Seal Project.
During the 7 p.m. open session in the Council Chambers, 259 N. Wilma Ave., staff will recommend the approval of the $1,067,409 project.
Included would be the $359,000 Cape Seal base bid and Alternative 1 ($251,564 for asphalt overlay of Main Street, from the arch to Robert Avenue) and Alternative 2 ($456,093 for asphalt construction, from Robert Avenue to Jack Tone Road).
The 2015 Street and Road Capital Project Award would help fund this project.
Council, however, will discuss using the 2010 Pavement Preservation Plan – as recommended for operating street and road surplus – for asphalt preservation projects.
“This (would) provide lower maintenance costs over the long term along with the longest life of the existing pavement,” said James Pease in his report.
He added: “the challenge with his approach is that preventative maintenance is practiced on roads that are considered in good condition in relation to roads that have failed and need to be reconstructed.”
Without this, roads are likely to deteriorate, requiring reconstruction later on.
“The costs are two to 15 times more (to complete the reconstruction),” Pease said.
If all goes accordingly, reconstruction of Main Street between Robert Avenue and Jack Tone Road – currently categorized as “very poor,” according to the Pavement Condition Index – would be one of the bid alternatives.
Staff indicated that this section of Main Street as experienced wear and tear due to the high volume of traffic not to mention the number of businesses along this stretch. Council, in turn, could consider making this an exception to the 2010 Pavement Preservation Plan as a funding source for the bid alternative.
For more information, call Ripon City Hall at 209.599.2108 or log on to www.cityofripon.org.
