Cost and scope of rural road work almost double over 2022 level

North Bay City Council has awarded a contract worth $320,152 to Miller Paving Limited for rural road surface treatment on Feronia Road, Northmount Road and Smith Road.

In recommending the move, the associated staff report noted, "The surface treatment is required in order to comply with the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standard."

This year's contract is about double the scope and the cost is nearly twice the $177,000 contract awarded in 2022 to Duncor Enterprises Inc. for rural road surface treatment on Cedar Heights Road, [a different stretch of] Northmount Road and Marsh Drive

Surface treatment is a combination of asphalt emulsion and clear aggregate, spread on the road surface and then rolled in place. The City of North Bay maintains approximately 158 kilometres of lanes of rural surface-treated roads.

"Surface treatment is commonly used in rural areas due to the fact it is more cost effective than traditional hot mix. The life cycle of surface-treated roads
depends on numerous factors such as traffic volume, drainage, and vehicle type but typically lasts for 8 to 12 years. Feronia Road, Northmount Road and Smith Road have not been treated since the early 2000s," according to the report.

Two quotes were evaluated by the City of North Bay. The evaluation considered the company's ability, experience and price. Miller Paving Limited's bid was the lowest bid and deemed the best overall value to the City of North Bay.