FERGUS FALLS -- Highway work in Otter Tail County will continue in 2020, despite the coronavirus (COVID-19).
On April 7 county board members approved seasonal bituminous contracts recommended by county Engineer Chuck Grotte.
A combination of materials creates jet-black asphalt. When installed appropriately, this process provides for a smooth, shiny and finished surface.
Also recommended by Grotte and approved by all five members of the county board, during their online meeting, were contracts for brush control and weed control along county highways.
“Otter Tail County is larger in size than the state of Rhode Island and our paved roads total 1,062 miles,” Grotte said. “This keeps our county highway department very busy.”
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Grotte expresses thanks for support from county residents during this trying time related to COVID-19.
“The backbone of the highway system in Otter Tail County requires lots of financial investment,” Grotte said.
“County residents, who have attended public meetings in previous months and who have roadway safety in mind, expressed their desire for their highways to be maintained at the highest level.”
Ongoing projects, in addition to bituminous resurfacing and brush and weed control, include paving of road shoulders, curb and gutter work and pedestrian ramps.
The maintenance section of the county highway department, headed by Grotte, includes close to 30 individuals who provide routine maintenance services to the highways and bridges throughout Otter Tail County.
These maintenance operations are divided into five maintenance areas which contain a total of 10 garages in various sections of the county.
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