County officials propose converting high-maintenance roads to caliche to reduce costs

June 25, 2025 | Lubbock County, Texas

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County officials propose converting high-maintenance roads to caliche to reduce costs

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Lubbock County Commissioners Court held a work session on June 25, 2025, focusing on the maintenance and management of local roadways, particularly those classified as wrap or pavement roads. The meeting began with a review of a spreadsheet detailing the costs associated with maintaining these roads, which have become significant financial burdens due to ongoing repairs.

Commissioners discussed the feasibility of handling most maintenance in-house, although some roads marked for engineering assessments may require further study before any work can commence. The conversation highlighted the need for updated engineering plans, especially for roads adjacent to major highways and interstates, to ensure compliance with drainage and safety standards.

A key point of discussion was the potential conversion of certain roads from paved surfaces to caliche, a more cost-effective material. This approach aims to reduce long-term maintenance costs and alleviate the need for expensive equipment currently used for patching. The commissioners noted that transitioning to caliche could save the county approximately $167,000 every two years, based on recent expenditures on road repairs.

The court also addressed the timeline for these projects, with some roads identified as priorities for immediate action. Two specific wrap roads were targeted for conversion this year, with plans to complete the work quickly, weather permitting. The discussion included the possibility of utilizing park contingency funds to expedite these projects.

Additionally, the commissioners considered the future of a milling machine used for road maintenance. There was consensus on the need to sell or lease the equipment to avoid ongoing maintenance costs, as the county seeks to streamline its operations and reduce unnecessary expenditures.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving road conditions while managing costs effectively. The commissioners agreed to continue evaluating the proposed plans and prioritize actions that would lead to sustainable road maintenance solutions.

Converted from Lubbock - Commissioners Court Work Session - Jun 25, 2025 meeting on June 25, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

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