Drivers will have to continue to endure the bumps and potholes on Venture Drive for a while longer. The roadway, which connects North Brightleaf Boulevard to Outlet Center Drive, has fallen in disrepair in recent years. The poor road conditions frustrate not only motorists but nearby businesses.
The Smithfield Town Council had set aside $700,000 in this year’s budget to repave Venture Drive. But when the council opened the bids prior to their meeting this month they learned that they were all over budget. Bids ranged from $735,022 to $1,249,000.
A company called Geo Technologies has recommended the town consider using the Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) method of road construction, which allows some of old pavement that is ground up to be reused in the new pavement.
Town Manager Michael Scott said several roads in Rocky Mount were constructed using the FDR method during the last 5 or six years. In some cases it could reduce the repaving costs as much as 25 percent.
The Town of Smithfield has already solicited new bids using Full Depth Reclamation. Those bids will be opened on February 22nd and presented to the town council for their review in March.
Mayor Andy Moore commented during the February 7th council meeting he is anxious to see the substandard roadway resurfaced as soon as possible. Four companies bid on the project last month. It’s unknown how many paving contractors will submit bids using the newer and less expensive method.
