Swift Current is en route and underway with the 2022 asphalt maintenance program.

Earlier this week, city council was presented with the 2022 asphalt maintenance program and the proposed recipient of the contract.

Presenting to city council was Swift Current's General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations, Mitch Minken.

Resurfacing and upkeep of roadways in the city is a regular order of operation that costs the city between $350,000 and $400,000 annually. As the winter thaw brings damages to the surface, springtime sees an abundance of critically damaged sections that need maintenance.

"Maintenance locations are identified from residents concerns and conditioned assessments," Minken elaborated. "It is essential to prioritize these identified repairs to prevent further deterioration of roads, which would result in full rehabilitation or rebuild of an entire roadway."

The city contracts the work out to a company that makes a bid that fits the budget, usually the company that makes the lowest offer with the most qualifications.

"This work generally includes localized roadway failures, repairs due to utility work, whether that's modern, sanitary, storm power, natural gas or communications, and pathway maintenance," expanded Minken.

Starting on March 15, requests for proposals were posted to SaskTenders and the Swift Current city website. Criteria such as unit prices, availability of contractors, and experience were all factors. Requests for proposals were closed on April 4, and 2022's contract was awarded to Mobile Paving Limited of Swift Current, with a total fee of $400,000, including PST, excluding GST.