There are going to be at least two asphalt overlay projects scheduled to happen in Jefferson later this year.

The Jefferson City Council approved a contract with Fort Dodge Asphalt for $186,376 to install a two-inch asphalt overlay on McKinley Street. City Administrator Scott Peterson says the project came in under the original estimate of $250,000, which means more work was recommended by the Streets Committee to do so.

“So now, we will also look at Cedar Street. So Cedar Street proceeding from the railroad (tracks) north to Central Avenue will also be done. And that will be milled down portions of it and relay asphalt over the top.” 

Peterson notes that the Cedar Street project, that was also approved by the City Council, will cost $96,985. He states that the two projects are over the $250,000 budget, but the additional funds are coming from the money that was saved from anticipated expenses for the winter season, that ended up not needing to be used.

Peterson points out that another road that he is hoping to get an asphalt overlay on is East Vest Street from Chestnut Street to the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Peterson explains that the one caveat with the third asphalt project is if there is funding leftover from the $2 million bond issuance that is with the Westwood sidewalk installation project.

“But the main reason for that debt issuance is to do the Westwood sidewalk project, which we haven’t bid yet. So assuming that bid comes in where we think it might, we should have a little bit extra money and be able to do some additional street work on Vest Street.”

Peterson adds that the East Vest Street overlay project is estimated to cost $125,460. He says the McKinley Street and a portion of Cedar Street will definitely be done later this construction season, as no official timeline has been set.