Jacob Street Might Need Re-Paved this Spring
After two of the three core samples failed following Russell Standard’s October paving of Jacob Street, some Kittanning Borough Council officials are hoping the street is repaved this Spring rather than opting for a discounted price tag (KP File Photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
Kittanning Borough residents have enjoyed a smoother ride along Jacob Street during the past two months, but it may come to a stop.
According to both Borough Engineer Mike Malak and Planning and Development Program Manager Sally Conklin, two of the three core samples failed testing after Russell Standard Construction’s work was completed.
Malak explained that the core samples test the new pavement’s density.
“It’s all on the timing of when the rollers come up and if they let the material cool down before – the actual method of getting it down in the proper manner,” Malak said.
After contractors requested the road be retested, PennDOT recommending withholding any payment to Russell Standard.
While engineers are awaiting the results of the next samples, the contractor has offered a discount on the final price or the job could be re-done this Spring.
“We asked PennDOT who has the say so: is it the owner - in this case the Borough - that has the authority to decide which they want? They really didn’t give us an answer,” Malak said. “They’re leaning toward the Borough makes the suggestion, and that’s what we’re hoping for.”
President Pro-Tempe David Croyle said if Council members chose the discount, Jacob Street would not last as long as intended.
“I’m for doing it the right way,” Croyle said.
After re-milling Jacob Street, Senate Engineering would have to re-inspect three core samples – something Councilman Ange Turco questioned.
“That’s a chunk of money – it wasn’t (Kittanning Borough’s) fault they failed, it’s (Russell Standard’s) fault. They should pay you,” Turco said.
Council members unanimously did agree to pay a total of nearly $19,200 for Senate Engineering to inspect that roadway since it can be reimbursed by the state.
In August 2014, Kittanning Borough Council received a nearly-$220,000 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for pedestrian and paving improvements along Jacob Street.
Russell-Standard contractors completed that work during the first two weeks of October.
Russell-Standard was awarded the project during a special Council meeting July 14 after they submitted the lowest bid – less than $335,000.
Kittanning Borough | jweaver December 8, 2015
By sabrinafair, December 8, 2015 @ 12:52 PM
Felt bad to me first time I drove on it. Thought it would get better in time, but it didn’t. I hope they will repave it.
By worthingtonman, December 8, 2015 @ 10:21 PM
Sometimes you get what you pay for. Most times the lowest price is not the best value.
By Flamingo1, December 8, 2015 @ 11:41 PM
Johnathon Weaver
“to be” repaved.
By ktown_kid, December 10, 2015 @ 10:06 AM
There is no sense in repaving it when the utility companies will be cutting it up soon. I see they cut up the new asphalt on north mckean again. I mean is it too hard for someone on this council to check with the utility companys’ schedules on maintenance? Everytime we get new asphalt, its cut up within a matter of months. A simple phone call or email could go a long way!! Get it together!!
By sabrinafair, December 10, 2015 @ 2:17 PM
Noticed in another article too. The quote was someone “made due.” No, they “made do.” Sucks to be an English minor….
By jorn jensen, December 10, 2015 @ 9:07 PM
Flamingo and sabrinafair - your in Armstrong County. You should of known to expect this. Sorry, I just had to due that.
By sabrinafair, December 31, 2015 @ 12:17 AM
Thanks, Jorn. You made me laugh. So glad I am not an Armstrong County native.
By Just sayin, December 31, 2015 @ 12:45 PM
sabrinafair: It must suck to suck as an English minor.
There is a comma after “article” in your quote, “Noticed in another article too.”
By Just sayin, January 4, 2016 @ 9:16 AM
Sabrinafair: There should be a comma after “article” in your comment, “Noticed in another article too.” It must suck to suck as an English minor.