LAWRENCE COUNTY – Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Brian Sowder met with the County Commissioners Tuesday morning to provide an extensive year-to-date report on road maintenance, winter weather expenses, and recent infrastructure improvements.
Sowder revealed that the county has already invested $124,017.05 in sand and salt supplies to combat icy road conditions this year. The harsh winter environment has not been without its casualties; Sowder reported that one of the county’s tandem trucks is currently undergoing repairs after sliding off a snow-covered roadway during recent operations.
Keeping the roads clear has required a massive investment in manpower, with department laborers logging 1,026 hours in overtime for snow removal and an additional 38.7 in overtime for miscellaneous tasks.
Beyond snow and ice management, the Highway Department has been aggressive in addressing drainage and road quality. Sowder highlighted a significant list of completed projects aimed at improving county travel:
- Debris Clearance: Crews responded to 161 downed trees, ensuring roads remained passable following recent storms.
- Drainage Improvements: The department replaced 46 road culverts and 14 driveway culverts to manage water runoff and prevent road erosion.
- Road Resurfacing: In a major push for infrastructure longevity, the county paved 15.3 miles of roadway and completed “chip and seal” treatments on an additional 31.8 miles.
The commissioners thanked Sowder for the detailed report, noting the requirements to keep the county moving safely during the winter months.
