County awards crack-sealing contract for 12,700 linear feet to North American Infrared

Merrimack County commissioners approved a contract with North American Infrared to crack-seal roughly 12,700 linear feet of pavement across county properties. County staff said the request for proposals yielded two bids: North American Infrared (about $0.94 per linear foot) and Nikon (about $1.55 per linear foot). Staff recommended North American Infrared because the vendor’s product uses a polymer formulation geared to parking areas and lower‑speed traffic; the other vendor’s formula is more typical for high‑speed highway applications. Presenters noted that crack sealing prevents water intrusion, prolongs pavement life and can defer larger paving investments. One presenter said the work could extend pavement life by roughly 15 years in areas treated and that the cost would be below the 12,700‑linear‑foot estimate. Commissioners approved the contract by voice vote; the transcript records an affirmative voice vote and no roll‑call tally in the meeting minutes provided.