Road Surface Study Group
Purpose: explore asphalt and milling options for Rufenach Lane + Circle
Committee members:
Allan Gerhart (Chair)
Jody Jeschke
Bill Hill
Casey Witten
Bruce McNeil
Committee goals:
Obtain at least two competitive bids
Compare asphalt (new) with millings (recycled)
Evaluate depth and width (est 4 in + 25 ft)
Measure and evaluate accurate road length and width
Provide a total project cost estimate
Research financing options (private v county)
Explore optional driveway paving for homeowners.
Deadline for presentation of findings to HOA: May 1, 2026
Background info on road paving -- info from Bruce McNeil [2/9/2026]Â consult from Flathead County roads engineer Jerry Taylor.
15 year lifetime for new asphalt roads; 8 to 10 year lifetime for pavement done with millings. Chipseal assumed in both cases. Therefore we must consider the long term maintenace costs of asphalt v millings plus the replacement cost to resurface.
Chipseal: engineer recommended to wait one year and let autos seal up the road, 2nd year do the chipseal.
Drainage: pavement lifetime halved by water, good drainage required and no pooling on road; culverts where required to drain sides; french drain hole filled with rock in some cases.
Very important to grade out all potholes before starting. Start with flat roadbed. Note: we should consider doing this even if we decide not to pave the road.
Maintenance costs: cracks due to water freeze and expansion. Patch with hot rubber sealing 3/4 inch. Larger holes mastic or wider ones with aggregate. What will our annual road maintence cost be per owner after pavement?
Watch the materials specification: the quality + mix of the asphalt and oil used is critical in maximizing lifetime expectation for the pavement. We need to have formula commitments in the bids, plus we should probably get an independent inspection to verify compliance to the bid standard. CMG Quality and Alpine Geotechnical do asphalt quality sampling.