Street improvements beginning in Cortez

Street improvements beginning in Cortez

June 26, 2001

CITY WORKERS begin chip-sealing on Mildred Road Monday morning in Cortez.

By Janelle Holden
Journal Staff Writer

On Monday, Cortez began its first round of street improvements this summer, including chip-sealing, asphalt, and overlay work.

The chip-sealing began on Mildred Road between Empire and Main Street. Mildred was closed on Monday while the city installed a new underground water pipe as well.

In all, 12 streets will see improvements this year: Tucker Lane, Tucker Court, Edith Street, Montezuma Avenue, Henry Street, Sligo Street, MacArthur Avenue, Coronado Avenue, Downey Avenue, Mildred Road, Jackson Street, South Chestnut Street, South Maple Street, South Oak Street, Catalpa Street, Colfax Street, and Detroit Street.

Four Corners Materials was the sole bidder for the 2001 street-improvement project with a bid of $524,000 for the project.

The planned work includes overlaying Empire Street from North Broadway to North Dolores Road, paving three street-improvement districts, paving Park Street by the new jail, and chip-sealing 100,000 square yards of streets.

The asphalt work is expected to start in August and early September, and the chip-sealing is expected to be done this week, according to Bruce Smart, Cortez director of public works.

"The whole chip-seal should be done within a week, barring breakdowns," said Smart, who advised drivers to "go slow" during the work because traffic can throw the chips up and damage car windshields.

The city pays for the improvements from a capital street fund that is dedicated to improving city streets, providing storm systems, and paving other streets.