Jasper County approves resurfacing of Quicksilver Avenue and Poplar Avenue

Two resurfacing projects in Jasper County have come in under the engineer’s estimates, which reinforces statements County Engineer Michael Frietsch has made recently that bid packages are leveling back out to reasonable costs after they were put in jeopardy by the pandemic and ensuing economic hardships.

The board of supervisors awarded both contracts to Manatt’s, Inc., who will be tasked with the resurfacing and milling of Quicksilver Avenue and Poplar Avenue. Jasper County will pay more than $457,000 for the Quicksilver Avenue project, and more than $282,000 for the Poplar Avenue project.

Engineer estimates for both projects were $752,861 and $462,858, respectively.

“So the good pricing continues,” Frietsch said. “We’re significantly below our estimate, which is good for our farm-to-market.”

Quicksilver Avenue is Old Highway 163 located outside of Monroe; the roadway runs parallel to nearby train tracks. Frietsch said the roadway has been included in the secondary roads’ programming for the past five to seven years. It was a backlogged project that is now finally clearing out of the system.

Four bids were received by the Iowa Department of Transportation on behalf of Jasper County for the Quicksilver Avenue project. In addition to Manatt’s, it got a $504,000 bid from InRoads, LLC; a $513,000 bid from OMG Midwest, Inc./Des Moines Asphalt & Paving; and a $518,000 bid from Grimes Asphalt and Paving.

Poplar Avenue is located in Prairie City and is parallel to Highway 163; the roadway is the entry point for the Dollar General.

Again, four bids were received by the IDOT for the Poplar Avenue project. Other than the winning low bid from Manatt’s, the county received a $311,000 bid from OMG Midwest, Inc./Des Moines Asphalt & Paving; a $319,000 bid from InRoads, LLC; and a $356,000 bid from Grimes Asphalt and Paving.

Frietsch noted there were some pay items missing from the projects, which will require the county board of supervisors to approve change orders. But he said it will not be much. One item that was missed, Frietsch said, was construction surveying, which will be a few thousand dollars or $10,000 at worst.

“The other one that was missed was leveling binder, so it might be about a $20,000 to $30,000 item,” Frietsch said.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma said, “OK. So it’s not like it’s $180,000? OK.”

Frietsch later added, “Just being transparent with you. I’m not concerned.”

Even with the change orders, the county engineer said the costs would not exceed or even come close to the initial estimates. Both projects have a late start date of June 2, 2025. Quicksilver Avenue has 30 working days planned while Poplar Avenue has 25 working days.