There might still be snow on the ground, but the City of Pierre is making plans for construction season.
At their Feb. 20 meeting, City Commissioners approved a request to bid the annual curb and gutter contract and approved a contract to crush used asphalt.
Curb and Gutter Contract
If bids come in favorably, the City will replace about 23 blocks of curb and gutter during the 2024 construction season. The infrastructure improvements allow storm water to properly move off streets; curb and gutter prevents water from penetrating street surfaces and causing them to crack or form potholes.
Bids for the curb and gutter contract are due to the City by March 7.
Asphalt Crushing
The City also approved a $49,000 contract with Morris, Inc. to crush the asphalt the City removed during street resurfacing and construction last year.
“We salvage and recycle as much of the old street surfaces as we can,” said Josh Bible, Construction and Operations Manager. “Under this contract, Morris will crush down the salvaged asphalt; that crushed material is then used to build new streets.”
Bible says that the process prevents the material from going into the landfill and provides a cost savings on the construction side.
“Last year we removed approximately 6,900 tons of asphalt. That recycled material goes a long way when we start street construction.”
Any unused crushed asphalt can be purchased by the public through the City’s Solid Waste Department.