Bartlesville City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing local infrastructure by approving a $3.76 million bid for the 2024 preventative maintenance street project. During the meeting on May 5, 2025, the council unanimously voted to award the contract to Hollowbrook Asphalt LLC, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s ongoing efforts to improve road conditions.

The project, funded through a combination of the half-cent sales tax extension approved by voters and additional budget allocations, aims to address the maintenance needs of high-traffic streets in Bartlesville. Vice Mayor Dorsey outlined that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to utilize advanced materials and techniques to extend the lifespan of the city’s roadways. The selected method involves a bonded matrix overlay, which is designed to provide greater durability compared to traditional microsurfacing, particularly on roads with higher traffic volumes.

The council's decision comes after careful consideration of the pavement condition model updated in 2023, which guided the selection of streets in need of maintenance. The project will focus on crack sealing and applying the new bonded matrix overlay, a process that promises to enhance road performance and longevity.

While the bid from Hollowbrook Asphalt was higher than the initial budget, it remains within the total available funding, allowing the project to proceed without financial strain. The contractor is expected to begin work shortly, with plans to complete the project by early July 2025. This timeline is crucial as it minimizes disruption to local traffic while ensuring that the necessary repairs are made efficiently.

In addition to the main project, the council discussed the importance of monitoring the performance of the new materials used, particularly in downtown areas where previous maintenance efforts had not met expectations. The city plans to evaluate the effectiveness of the bonded matrix overlay before committing to its widespread application in more sensitive areas.

Overall, this initiative reflects Bartlesville's commitment to maintaining and improving its infrastructure, ensuring safer and more reliable roadways for residents and visitors alike. The council's proactive approach in selecting innovative solutions is expected to yield long-term benefits for the community.