Weston Street project increased

PEA RIDGE — The Weston Street project has been increased to add repaving the alreadywidened north end all the way to Pickens (Arkansas Highway 94), after the City Council approved Mayor Jackie Crabtree's recommendation at the July council meeting.

Although not an original part of the project to widen Weston Street and install curbs, gutters and sidewalks, the money is now in the city coffers, according to the mayor.

"This is work outside the original contract," Greg Perry, engineer, told the council members, explaining the pavement would be removed and replaced. He said he is awaiting a construction permit from the state Highway Department for sidewalk steps for a designated change.

"That's a section of street we tried to do ourselves," Mayor Jackie Crabtree said.

"The base is good, but there's some failure. This way we'll get a new street all the way through."

The cost was estimated at $50,615.28 and councilmen approved up to $55,000 from impact fees to cover the costs.

Councilmen were also presented with a change order by Perry for increased costs because of enlarged drainage inlets at the intersection with Hazelton.

Considering other street projects in town, Perry presented projects with approximate costs, including:

◊Hazelton Road from Weston Street to west of Charles Street - $294,000;

◊Davis Street from Pickens to Lee Town Road - $725,000.

Council members and Perry discussed the benefits of chip and seal versus a rejuvenator course.

"We just want to look at it and see where we need to proceed," Crabtree said. "The funds are in the impact fees.

There are several different streets in the impact fee ordinance."

"We're trying to find the best use of funds," Crabtree said, adding that there are 10 non-dedicated streets in town which will need work.