Improvements Planned for Skylark Road

Valley County Commissioners have released plans to address road conditions on the 1.6 mile stretch of Skylark Road from Hwy 2 to the Sunnyside Golf and Country Club.

At a hearing held at the Valley County Courthouse on May 11, 2009, a consensus was reached among members of the public amounting to an expressed wish that the county halt any major road resurfacing that would include the removal or reclamation of paved sections of the road.

Six years later, commissioners have resolved to proceed with plans to replaced the badly-damaged asphalt section of Skylark with crushed gravel (as opposed to pit run, or rounded material). A calcium chloride treatment will be applied to help combat dust and bind the road surface. The treatment will be reapplied annually as needed.

A section of the road near Sunnyside was tested in the summer of 2014. According to the county, the material and method of application proved substantive enough to dramatically reduce potholes, dust, and other concerns expressed by residents along Skylark.

Traffic through the area appears considerable by recent estimates. Average Daily Traffic sensors stationed on Skylark in the summer of 2014 produced a figure of approximately 747 drivers using the road daily.

Commissioner Bruce Peterson stated that budget concerns predicated the decision to opt for treated, crushed gravel rather than asphalt.

The estimated cost of the former is approximately $60,000, while a new asphalt roadway would likely cost well into six figures.

"We're looking at a tight budget," Peterson states, going on to elaborate the complexities of the current tax base, assessment model, and mil levy system, etc. The commissioners plan to clarify their current budgetary plans and options at upcoming public meetings.

Work on Skylark Road is scheduled to begin in the fall of this year.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the county with questions, comments and concerns as plans move forward throughout the summer.

The commissioners can be reached at 228-6219. Peterson adds the following suggestion for good measure: "Just ask for a commissioner."