Rangely has large number of summer projects to complete for summer

RANGELY I Several projects begun by the Town of Rangely in recent weeks will finish up in the next month, others will begin or continue into the summer and the first of three water treatment facility renovation phases will be complete by summer’s end.
A total reconstruction of curbs, gutters and sidewalks, along with a new overlay on Cottonwood Drive, should be complete by the end of June, Rangely Town Manager Peter Brixius said. Town employees are also replacing portions of curbs, gutters and drainage pans along River Road, Taos Drive and West Bell Street to improve drainage problems in the Dragon Wash area.
Brixius said the town will complete much of the summer’s street demolition and elevation work internally, including plans for portions of East Rio Blanco, School Street, Birch Avenue and Mesa Drive later this summer.
“We typically have lots of these types of projects in the works,” Brixius said. “Our crews are very active in executing all or a portion of these projects internally as a cost-saving measure, at least to the degree that’s possible.”
While town employees complete much of the demolition and preparation of the finished grades and elevations themselves, contracted work often includes some concrete forming and flat work, chip seal, asphalt milling and overlay.
Also in the works for later this summer are water line and asphalt overlay projects on East Rio Blanco Avenue, from Weber Street to Nichols Street. The town is also considering possible maintenance work to Ryder and Gillum roads and chip seal to several street segments throughout town that are not ready for overlay but in need of surface protection.
Town Square reconstruction work continues as plans move forward to replace the old town fountain and pavers. Unfiltered water in the fountain created moss and odor issues, Brixius said, while crumbling and disjointed pavers made for tripping hazards. The project is still slated for a July finish.
“The pavers will be replaced with colored concrete with more patterned expansion joints,” Brixius said. “We’ll come back in with some seating, resurfacing and we’ll probably be increasing the grassy areas. We want to keep the square available for the various groups that use it for functions, like the library’s end-of-summer event and children’s activities.”
Crews have completed approximately two-thirds of the water treatment facility renovation’s first phase, Brixius said. Most physical plant reconstruction outlined for the phase is complete, while new equipment like plate settlers and flocculation drives will arrive within two to three weeks and be installed in July.
Brixius said the majority of Phase 1, a $1.7 million project funded by Water Utility Enterprise reserves, grants and utility rates, should be complete by mid-August with bids for Phase 2 received, considered and awarded by mid- to late October.
Phase 2 of the water treatment plant renovation will be funded with reserves, energy impact grants, utility rates and a state Revolving Fund Loan.
“There have been a few surprises in the first phase, but nothing outside of what was forecast in the budget,” Brixius said. “Budget-wise, we’re on track.”
Town employees also recently installed a four-inch gas line along Royden Ditch between South White Avenue and South Stanolind Avenue. Royden Ditch, selected as the first portion of a 16-mile trail system for non-motorized travel through and around Rangely, will not undergo construction until state contracts are received and executed, Brixius said.
A $136,500 grant that the town hoped to use to begin construction this spring has been delayed, possibly by the consolidation of the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Division of Wildlife.