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County planning for busier than normal road construction

Even though snow fell this week, Chautauqua County officials are gearing up for a busy road construction season.

Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Director Brad Bentley discussed his department’s construction plans during the legislature’s Public Facilities Committee meeting.

Bentley noted that they’re getting more money this year than usual from the state so they’re planning on doing more with the county’s roads and bridges.

“We’re going to be paving about 32 miles of road. Usually we do about 15 to 20 miles,” he said.

They’re also planning on doing 96 miles of surface treatment with oil and stone, up from the usual 60-80 miles.

Bentley said they’re able to make this change because the state is providing $6.6 million, up from the usual $4.5 million in funds. “I’m thankful for the money. I think it will make a difference,” he said.

Committee Chairman John Hemmer agreed. “It’s a pain in the neck for the traveling public, but it’s always good to see the results,” he said.

Bentley wasn’t certain how soon construction would begin. He noted that some asphalt plants have opened, but it’s too cold to begin road work. “The ground hasn’t completely unthawed. There’s still a lot of movement. When you don’t wait it doesn’t compact right,” he said.

Normally the county waits until the middle to the end of May before doing roadwork. “We know that doing them earlier, we find our roads don’t last as long as they should,” he said.

Along with the roadwork, the Department of Public Facilities is planning on the rehabilitation, maintenance or replacement of over 18 bridges.

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