N. Sand Lane Rd Construction

May 3, 2025 | Roads

Town Road Improvement Projects

As a part of our long-term road improvement planning, the Town Board determined the need to first maintain the asphalt surfaced roads we now have and then update our gravel roads when funds become available. Sand Lane Road has deteriorated to a point where just patching potholes is no longer the answer. It’s time for a new asphalt surface.

Sand Lane Road had an asphalt surface applied over its gravel base in the 1994-95. We received a State 50:50 Grant for $45,000 back then and did the entire 3.61 miles for $90,000. The project outlined below is for 2.54 miles, (from the four-corners North to Hwy 10) and 30 years later that shorter distance will cost us over $476,000.

Fortunately, we were able to secure a 70:30 State Local Road Improvement Grant. However, the Town will need to pay the entire costs up-front. That means borrowing money and paying interest. In the end our costs will be over $145,000.

Our Town has received over $1.5 million in Grants during the past 30 years for road, culvert and bridge improvements. It’s becoming much more difficult and time consuming for me to apply for grants and our Town has already received a lion’s share from most of the available programs. Several years ago, the State limited and froze Town taxes. (If your property taxes have increased it’s not due to the amount the Town receives). The Town Board is not interested in raising your taxes anyway, and I will continue applying for grants. Grants are not a sure thing so we need to decide how we’ll get beyond just patching holes in the years ahead. Please consider attending one of our monthly meetings to discuss this and any other concerns about our Town. Meetings dates and times are posted on the Town Buildings and on our Town website.

General Project Details for Sand Lane Road: Repaving of Sand Lane Road from Hillcrest Road to USH 10 along with widening the Hillcrest Road intersection to better accommodate large truck and heavy equipment traffic. All work will be completed with the road open to one lane traffic. However, please take a different route if you see work zone signs. If you must drive through the work zone, please watch out for construction workers & equipment. Your patience is greatly appreciated!

Phase 1 Details: (estimated timeframe, mid-May, 3 days duration):

Pave leveling course over entire road length.

Phase 2 Details: (estimated timeframe, early June, 2 days duration):

Widening of Hillcrest Road intersection.

Phase 3 Details: (estimated timeframe – Sept, 4 days duration):

Pave finish course over entire road length. Waiting most of the summer to pave the finish course will result in a smoother and longer lasting road.

FINAL - Phase 4 Details: (estimated timeframe – early Oct, 2 days duration):

Gravel shouldering of entire road length.

Our Construction Manager for the Sand Lane Project will be at our next Town Board Meeting; Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – 5:30 PM.

Sincerely,

Steve Dickinsen, Chairman