Plains continues street paving project

The final major roadwork for Plains is being completed this week with Rehbein Enterprises resurfacing the second block of Farmer Street and a large portion of Blake Street.

Plains Mayor Dan Rowan said it was the only road work done this year because the town had trouble getting anyone to bid on road projects. Farmer Street was one of those on the priority list devised by public works, but Blake Street was especially in need and given more consideration because of the community ambulance service. "The ambulance service is answering calls to save lives. The road was so rough they couldn't answer a call as fast as possible," said Rowan. He also said there were plans for Rehbein Enterprises to work on a portion of First Avenue and a stretch of Hubbard Street.

Plains sought three companies to do the work on Farmer and Blake, but Rehbein Enterprises was the only bidder for the project. Rowan didn't have an exact amount on the cost, but the bid contract stated it was not to exceed $78,000. Workers first dug up the old asphalt on Farmer Street with a "pulverizer" vehicle driven by Shane Rehbein. The road surface was crumbled and used below the new paving surface. Ripping up the old asphalt was a slow process that took most of the day to grind the 7,500 square feet of Farmer and 4,000 square feet of Blake. The project included a crew of six from Plains and Polson with Doug Mitch as the project manager.

This was the first major roadwork of the year, but there might be other more minor work before the season ends. The next site on the list is from Fourth Street to Central Avenue, but it won't be done until next year. Rowan said that Rittenour and Johnson Streets are also slated for repaving.