Board approves change order to resurface bike path segment; BPAC funds project, trustees ask about longer‑life mixes

The Grosse Ile Township Board authorized a change order to its existing Elba Island roadway contract with Al's Asphalt to add resurfacing of approximately 51,700 square feet of bike path for $232,741. The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) had budgeted approximately $346,000 in FY25/26 for pathway resurfacing and unanimously supported the change order after debate. Staff said the work will be coordinated with the Elba Island paving project so the contractor is already mobilized on site, which reduced mobilization costs. Trustees asked staff and the engineer about materials. One trustee suggested investigating polymerized asphalt or an enhanced mix that can significantly extend pavement life; staff replied that for work on Wayne County roads the township must follow Wayne County HMA mix specifications, but for township‑owned path sections the township could consider alternative mixes. Staff agreed to ask the engineer and contractor whether a polymerized mix is feasible for the segments the township owns and report back before work begins. Board members said the change order repairs one of the worst trail sections and extends its useful life while the township and community consider longer‑term funding for more extensive repairs elsewhere on the trail network. The motion passed and the change order was authorized.