Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Before the Surface Pro X though, that battery life came at a heavy price. Older Windows PCs on ARM chips felt slower than laptops I used to use when I was back in college. In tech years, thats prehistoric.

Its not enough even for someone like me, whose usage mostly revolves around a million tabs on Chrome, word processing software and now, thanks to the pandemic, about a thousand video calls a week.

But though the Surface Pro X is a huge leap forward, its just not enough to be the solution just yet.

The big accomplishment here is that the Surface Pro X doesnt make you want to throw it against the wall. Neither does it feel like a cheap laptop with very little RAM and an older processor. If anything, the Surface Pro X isnt just modern in its looks, but also in how it performs.

To spare you a lot of jargon, running Windows on ARM is sort of like switching chassis for a car with a different cars chassis. You can make it run almost as well as the original, but it will be wobbly at times. ARM chips assume software will be built for a certain processor architecture, but legacy Windows software hasn't been made for that. Microsoft tried to fix this by adding an emulation layer to Windows, which is akin to hammering the new chassis to fit the other car. It just doesnt work for all software.

The bottomline is this, the Surface Pro X and devices that follow its example in future, will be almost ready to replace laptops, but wont quite get there. Who will this really matter to? Well, power users come to mind. Companies like Adobe arent fully ready to embrace these processors, and the work theyve already done is better suited to Apples iPads than Windows on ARM.

The result is these little lags when Im selecting all the typed text on a long Google Docs document, or updating my notes on Evernote. It doesnt hamper how fast I work enough to really complain about them, but I can see why it will matter to a heavier user than myself.

The real qualm here is that while Microsoft does have a solution to Windows 10s problems with ARM, its not a foolproof solution yet. Theyre getting there though, and thats heartening.

Having said that, the problems with the Surface Pro X dont end there. $1000 price tags are more acceptable in the US than they are in India. At this point, the Surface Pro X is a device that works. But Indians dont pay Rs. 98,999 for devices that just work, nor should we be expected to.

The value proposition is worse if you consider the fact that the Pro X is only a laptop replacement with Microsofts TypeCover keyboard case. Thats an additional Rs. 13,699 and the new Slim Pen" stylus will add Rs. 14,299 more.

The complete Surface Pro X is too expensive for a journalist like me, who is the ideal user for it right now. Assuming you have that kind of money and are bent on an always connected device with SIM support, the new iPad Pro with its Magic Keyboard costs about the same. In fact, if you pair the Magic Keyboard with last years iPad Pro, you will actually save some money.

Theres another problem here. While Windows 10 on ARM promises over 20 hour battery lives, Microsofts claimed battery life for the Pro X is much lesser. And in my experience, I could never get past the 10-hour mark. Thats good for an ultrabook, not good for an always connected mobile device.

If you can give up the always connected part, the Dell XPS 13 is a viable alternative. In fact, even Microsofts own Surface Pro 7 is in the lakh rupees range. If I cant leave my charger home, Im not settling for the wobbles.

On the other hand, the Surface Pro X covers the thin and light part easily. It weighs under a kilogram without the charger and is extremely loud. The display is great too, though not quite as bright as the new iPad Pros Liquid Retina display, and the Slim Pen is as good as any other stylus Microsoft has made so far. It also has two USB Type-C ports, which I really hope Apple adopts too.

In sum, the Surface Pro X is a big leap for Windows 10 on ARM. It would have been a viable solution for many who want a PC-like mobile device, if it wasnt for the price. Perhaps enterprises would want to hand it to their CEOs as a productivity tool. It also benefits from Microsofts enterprise features.

But most importantly, we know Windows 10 can work on ARM now. Microsoft better refine things as fast as possible.

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Here is the original post:
Microsoft Surface Pro X review: Windows is almost ready for ARM - Livemint

Wellington Regional Hospital has the worst electrical infrastructure in the country, and ranks in the bottom three of the country's hospitals for its mechanical infrastructure.

Most of its high-voltage cables need replacing, as well as the main switchboard, and its site generators are in poor condition with replacement being investigated.

READ MORE:* The state of our hospitals: Major stocktake paints dire picture* Disruption for patients as Wellington Regional Hospital replaces 28km of faulty pipes * Hospital building with earthquake rating as low as 9 per cent passes another deadline

The dire picture comes as part of a major stocktake of the country's hospitals, released on Wednesday.

It comes just a day after Wellington Hospital was forced to run its back-up generators after a Newtown power outage and years of issues with leaky pipes.

On top of the hospital's electrical problems, the report found its steam pipes and hot water storage were also in poor condition.

Rosa Woods/Stuff

General manager of corporate services Thomas Davis says the facilities and infrastructure are safe and will remain so while improvements take place. (File photo)

Stormwater drains, medical gases, heating pipes, fire water and cooling pipes, as well as windows and doors were described as in average to poor condition.

General manager of corporate services Thomas Davis said the DHB had not had time to fully consider the new report and wasn't able to comment in detail.

But he gave assurances the facilities and infrastructure were safe and would remain so while improvements took place.

CCDHB has a programme for the prioritisation and completion of planned and deferred maintenance," he said.

"This ensures our facilities and infrastructure undergo continued maintenance and management as our campus is upgraded through a staged programme of work."

Robert Kitchin/Stuff

Wellington Hospital was the only facility whose electrical infrastructure was rated as 'poor' in a new report.

Many of the issues won't be a surprise for users of the hospital, which has long been beleaguered by leaky pipes.

Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) is suing contractors after the hospital's pipes sprung 300 leaks in a debacle reported to have cost $19 million.

And every part of the hospital is due to shut down over the next six years as more than 28.7 kilometres of faulty copper pipes are replaced.

The DHB reported issues with Wellington Hospital's electrical infrastructure in 2017.

An independent report released to Stuff at the time painted a picture of tired infrastructure with a high potential for a complete outage to the hospital in a major emergency.

It found a "high risk of catastrophic failure" where patient and staff safety was at risk.

Kevin Stent/Stuff

A major stocktake of infrastructure at the country's hospitals says a fix-it bill of $14 billion is needed.

In the latest stocktake of hospital infrastructure, the Hutt Valley District Health Board and CCDHB were two of 10 DHBs found to have poor financial management systems.

Hawke's Bay DHB had electrical infrastructure which was near or beyond end of life, according to the report. Its high voltage supply had regular failures and its major switchgear was vulnerable to failure, affecting theatres.

Executive director of financial services Carriann Hall said the DHB aware of the issues.

It was working to upgrade the electrical systems and high voltage supply and was in the final stages of replacing its main electrical switchboard for the boiler house.

The report said many of the country's intensive care units, operating theatres and emergency departments were in "poor or very poor" shape - with a fix-it bill set at $14 billion over the next decade.

Originally posted here:
Wellington Hospital has the worst electrical infrastructure in the country - report - Stuff.co.nz

Job Summary: The Gutter Installer is responsible for all aspects of installing company products according to work order, manufacturer, quality and safety guidelines. The Gutter Installer is also responsible for observing and following all OSHA and Company Safety policies and procedures. Experience: Previous experience is desirable but not required. Experience in the construction industry, including roofing, siding preferred. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: *Gutter installers must be able to use common hand tools - snips, down spout crimps, end cap crimps, hacksaw, hammer, cordless hand drill, blow torch and caulking gun. *Able to read job instructions and load truck with materials to work order. *Basic math skills required *Must be able to drive a box truck, have a valid insurable driver*s license. *Manage extension ladders up to 45 Ft., and must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. frequently. *Able to climb up and down a ladder. Comfortable with heights and working on/from ladders and roofs *Must be able to bend, twist, and turn body at shoulders, waist and knees to handle and install gutters. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. *Maintain safe and clean work environment *Perform routine maintenance and keep trucks clean *Track equipment and supplies Work Environment: Works in a construction environment; able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Link:
Job Summary: The Gutter Installer is responsible for all aspects - goskagit.com

When you become an owner of a home, foundation maintenance cannot be ignored. If you end up with a foundation crack or other damage, the repair cost will likely be very high. About $12.5 billion are spent on foundation repairs every year.

Foundation issues can often be prevented. Usually, a lack of preventative maintenance causes most issues. Here are some of the foundation maintenance tasks you can take on to ensure you dont end up with a massive repair bill.

1. Annual Foundation Inspections

Having your foundation inspected every year is one of the easiest ways you can prevent damage. You can learn how to do it yourself or hire a professional to come out and do an inspection. Either way, taking the time to look at your foundation will help you to see if there is an issue.

Its a good idea to check around your foundation after a big rainstorm, as well. You will be able to see if the water is pooling in specific areas where drainage may not be great.

2. Compact Backfill Areas

When a home is built, backfill areas are created to allow water to drain away from the foundation. These areas are usually filled with loose soil and created with a slope away from the foundation.

Over time, the soil may flatten leading to ponding around the foundation. Homeowners should use a heavy piece of wood to tamp down the backfill areas. Adding more soil may be necessary to maintain the proper slope.

3. Annual Inspection of Other Concrete Structures

Patios, driveways, and sidewalks can act as a barrier to help protect the foundation. However, they can also cause foundation damage, if they become cracked or damaged from moisture.

Every year, you should inspect these structures and look for cracks, pooling of water, and other potential issues. This is most important during the first five years of owning a new home since the foundation will adjust the most during this time.

4. Make Sure Gutters and Downspouts Work Properly

Usually, you need to clean the gutters at least twice a year; once before the winter season and once in the spring. Clean gutters and downspouts will work together to move water from the roof away from your home. They are a great defense system for your home.

However, if your gutters or downspouts become clogged, you could end up with a very big issue. Clogged gutters lead to the pooling of water on the roof, which can lead to major issues. Downspouts can also become clogged causing even bigger issues.

Along with clogging, gutters and downspouts not installed correctly may cause water to pool in specific areas around your foundation. Make sure the downspouts are installed with the proper slope so water moves away from the foundation and doesnt come back

There are many things you should pay attention to when it comes to foundation maintenance. A proper inspection each year will go a long way to ensure you dont end up with a huge repair bill.

I would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me. I will help you make the right move! Anna Granger 704-650-5707 | annagrangerhomes@gmail.com | http://www.1stchoicepropertiesinc.com

Read this article:
Foundation Maintenance: Avoiding a Costly Home Repair - Mint Hill Times

Learn how to raise backyard chickens!

Keeping chickens and producing your own eggs can be rewarding, therapeutic and loads of fun.

Learn how to get started during an online Backyard Urban Chicken Program from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, on Zoom.

Kalan Taylor, an agriculture and natural resources agent for the University of Florida/Volusia County Extension, will discuss chicken breeds, housing, health care, nutrition, manure management and food safety. She will also explain how to find out if your property is approved for chicken farming.

The $10 registration fee includes a certificate and teaching materials. To register, go to http://www.eventbrite.com and type in backyard urban chicken program. Registrants will receive the Zoom link on June 23.

For registration questions, contact Cynthia Rabey at 386-822-5778 or cynthia.rabey@ufl.edu.

Watch the weather, wait to water

Volusia Countys Environmental Management Division is encouraging residents who irrigate their lawns to take advantage of the summer rainy season and watch the weather, wait to water.

From July through September, yards need no more than a half-inch to three-quarters inch of water up to two times a week. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off the irrigation system and turn it back on when needed.

The simplest way to determine if your yard needs water is to look for these visual clues:

Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard.

Grass blades appear blue-gray.

Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

If your yard is showing signs that it needs water, check your local forecast to see if rain is on the way.

Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain your yard has received.

Install a rain sensor on your automatic irrigation system, and make sure its working properly.

Take full advantage of the rain. Make sure gutter downspouts are directed into landscaped areas or lawn.

Install a rain barrel to capture excess rainwater.

According to Volusia Countys water conservation ordinance, residents may water their lawns twice a week (if necessary) until standard time resumes Nov. 1, when the once-a-week schedule will return.

People who live at odd-numbered addresses may water Wednesdays and Saturdays, and people at even-numbered addresses may water Thursdays and Sundays. Businesses may water Tuesdays and Fridays. Each zone of your irrigation system may be watered no more than one hour or three-quarters of an inch a day. Watering is not permitted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The watering restrictions apply to all county residents, including those who live inside city limits. They cover city and county water, private wells and pumps, but do not include reclaimed water.

For more information about water conservation, visit volusia.org/water-conservation.

CARES Act funds available for homeless assistance

Volusia County has received nearly $450,000 in federal funds that are available to nonprofit organizations that are working to lessen the impacts of COVID-19 in the homeless population. Application for the funds, a total of $449,809, are being accepted through June 30. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and are part of the federal coronavirus relief, or CARES Act. The money is designed to help prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless or are receiving homeless assistance.

Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to submit responses for these special funds, which can be used for:

Emergency shelter renovation: $125,000

Emergency shelter operations: $50,000

Street outreach: $54,809

Rapid re-housing: $220,000

All programs must serve the entire county and comply with the Commission on Homelessness for Volusia and Flagler Counties written standards. Use of Volusia County ESG funds is limited to Volusia County only.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Applications, including the written standards, are available by calling Edina Toth at 386-736-5955, ext. 12908, or 386-564-0387.

Continue reading here:
Information from around the county: backyard chickens, water conversation, homeless assistance - The West Volusia Beacon

Ive always worked at least two, sometimes three jobs. My dad said it built character. Maybe so, but what I noticed was it built my bank account.

In 1972 when I was 11, I began mowing yards, raking leaves or doing anything else that paid. There were plenty of elderly folks in my hometown who were no longer able to do this type of work and I was only too glad to help them.

That same year a man in my hometown hired me for $1 a day to help him in his bait shop.

Mr. Bill (I dont think I ever knew his last name) was a jack of all trades. In addition to growing worms and raising minnows, he made the signs for the local grocery stores that hung in the windows and advertised the weekly specials.

While I broke up the dirt in the worm beds and ground the cornmeal to feed them, Mr. Bill would pull a piece of butcher paper and tear it off from the roll that hung on the wall and freehand the name of the item for sale in one color and its price in another.

As I ran the loud grinder for the cornmeal, Id watch him finish one sign, hang it up to dry and begin another. Every now and then hed yell out to me, telling me to use less meal, or to remind me to mist the beds with water before feeding them.

All of this came back to me as my wife and I recently discovered hundreds of earthworms in our concrete gutters at the top of our two driveways.

Our property is a rectangle, but from front to back its shaped like a bowl. We installed the concrete drains to catch and redirect the runoff during heavy rains. When we bought the property, we noticed that when it rained hard, our driveways turned into Niagara Falls. In turn, the water ran through the yard and washed away just about anything in its path.

We hired lots of folks who said they could fix the problem, but it was my idea to install the concrete gutters deep in the ground and top them with metal grates. I remembered a design Id seen as a kid. At the top of the driveway, a deep concrete gutter ran the width of the drive and removable metal grates covered them. The runoff ran into drainage ditches, which went into a creek.

I hired a fella to build the same thing.

The first rain came, and it worked great. So did the second, and the third. But by the fourth heavy rain, we noticed the dirt from the runoff had filled the concrete gutters and was coming up through the grates.

I pulled a shooter shovel from the garage and began to scoop out the dirt into a wheelbarrow. My intention was to use this fertile soil in my wifes garden. There was only one problem. We had guests. They had moved into the gutters and were calling them home.

Worms. Earthworms. Lots of them.

The loose, black soil and the cool, underground concrete gutters provided the perfect domicile for one of the earths most basic creatures. These round, segmented organisms eat, digest, and redistribute things that help farmers and gardeners grow food. They also provide food for pigs and other farm animals.

Of course, fishermen rely on them to catch what they need to fill their freezers.

Which brings me to the next part of this story.

My wife mentioned that a friend of ours at the end of the street buys worms and that they were expensive.

He and his wife arrived and took about half of the worms and headed back home.

The rest of the worms went into my wifes gardens. But the wheels in my old noggin started turning.

What had started out as a drainage problem has turned into a business opportunity. I currently only have a couple of jobs, so I have an opening for another one. One that I first learned at age 11.

Im going to call it, Johns Grate Bait.

John Moore is a Whitehouse resident. His column appears Friday. His books, Write of Passage: A Southerners View of Then and Now, and Write of Passage Volume II, are available from Amazon, and TheCountryWriter.com. His weekly podcast appears on Spotify and iTunes. Email john@johnmoore.net .

More here:
Moore: I'm back in the worm business - Longview News-Journal

Ive always worked at least two, sometimes three jobs. My dad said it built character. Maybe so, but what I noticed was that it built my bank account.

In 1972 when I was 11, I began mowing yards, raking leaves, or doing anything else that paid. There were plenty of elderly folks in my hometown who were no longer able to do this type of work, and I was only too glad to help them.

That same year a man in my hometown hired me for $1 a day to help him in his bait shop.

Mr. Bill (I dont think I ever knew his last name) was a jack-of-all-trades. In addition to growing worms and raising minnows, he also made the signs for the local grocery stores that hung in the windows and advertised the weekly specials.

While I broke up the dirt in the worm beds and ground the cornmeal to feed them, Mr. Bill would pull a piece of butcher paper and tear it off from the roll that hung on the wall, and then free hand the name of the item for sale in one color and its price in another.

As I ran the loud grinder for the cornmeal, Id watch him finish one sign, hang it up to dry, and begin another.

Every now and then hed yell out to me, telling me to use less meal to feed the worms, or to remind me to mist the beds with water before feeding them.

All of this came back to me as my wife and I recently discovered hundreds of earthworms in our concrete gutters that we installed at the top of our two driveways.

Our property is a rectangle, but from front to back, its shaped like a bowl. We installed the concrete drains to catch and redirect the runoff during heavy rains.

When we bought the property, we noticed that when it rained hard, our driveways turned into Niagara Falls. In turn, the water ran through the yard and washed away just about anything in its path.

We hired lots of folks who said they could fix the problem, but it was my idea to install the concrete gutters, deep into the ground and top them with metal grates.

I remembered a design Id seen as a kid. At the top of the driveway, a deep concrete gutter ran the width of the drive, and removable metal grates covered them.

The runoff ran into drainage ditches, which went into a creek.

I hired a fella to build the same thing.

The first rain came, and it worked great. So did the second, and the third.

But by the fourth heavy rain, we noticed the dirt from the runoff had filled the concrete gutters and was coming up through the grates.

I pulled a shooter shovel from the garage and began to scoop out the dirt into a wheelbarrow. My intention was to use this fertile soil in my wifes garden.

There was only one problem. We had guests. They had moved into the gutters and were now calling them home.

Worms. Earthworms. Lots of them.

The loose, black soil and the cool, underground concrete gutters provided the perfect domicile for one of the earths most basic creatures.

These round, segmented organisms eat, digest, and redistribute things that help farmers and gardeners grow food.

They also provide food for pigs and other farm animals.

Of course, fishermen rely on them to catch what they need to fill their freezers.

Which brings me to the next part of this story.

My wife mentioned that a friend of ours at the end of the street buys worms and that they were expensive.

He and his wife arrived and took about half of the worms and headed back home.

The rest of the worms went into my wifes gardens.

But the wheels in my old noggin started turning.

What had started out as a drainage problem has turned into a business opportunity. I currently only have a couple of jobs, so I have an opening for another one. One that I first learned at age 11.

Im going to call it, Johns Grate Bait.

John Moores books, Write of Passage: A Southerners View of Then and Now Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, are available on Amazon and on Johns website at http://www.TheCountryWriter.com. His weekly John G. Moore Podcast appears on Spotify and iTunes.

Read more from the original source:
John Moore: Worm weather | Opinion - Marshall News Messenger

Several brush fires have burned this week on Southern California hillsides as temperatures rise and humidity levels drop, stark reminders of the threat posed to neighborhoods by fast-moving wildfires.

Residents should be prepared for a continued threat from wildfires as we enter the hot and dry summer months.

Below are some ways you can harden your home from the roof on down and make it more fire resistant.

Roof

The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home. Homes with wood or shingle roofs are at high risk of being destroyed during a wildfire. Build your roof or re-roof with materials such as composition, metal or tile. Block any spaces between roof decking and covering to prevent embers from catching.

Vents

Vents on homes create openings for flying embers.

Eaves and Soffits

Eaves and soffits should be protected with ignition-resistant* or non-combustible materials.

Windows

Heat from a wildfire can cause windows to break even before the home is on fire. This allows burning embers to enter and start fires inside. Single-paned and large windows are particularly vulnerable.

Walls

Wood products, such as boards, panels or shingles, are common siding materials. However, they are flammable and not good choices for fire-prone areas.

Decks

Surfaces within 10 feet of the building should be built with ignition-resistant, non-combustible, or other approved materials.

Rain Gutters

Keep rain gutters clear or enclose rain gutters to prevent accumulation of plant debris.

Patio Cover

Use the same ignition-resistant materials for patio coverings as a roof.

Chimney

Cover your chimney and stovepipe outlets with a non-flammable screen. Use metal screen material with openings no smaller than 3/8-inch and no larger than 1/2-inch to prevent embers from escaping and igniting a fire.

Garage

Have a fire extinguisher and tools such as a shovel, rake, bucket, and hose available for fire emergencies.

Fences

Consider using ignition-resistant* or non-combustible fence materials to protect your home during a wildfire.

Driveways and Access Roads

Driveways should be built and maintained in accordance with state and local codes to allow fire and emergency vehicles to reach your home. Consider maintaining access roads with a minimum of 10 feet of clearance on either side, allowing for two-way traffic.

Address

Make sure your address is clearly visible from the road.

Water Supply

Consider having multiple garden hoses that are long enough to reach all areas of your home and other structures on your property. If you have a pool or well, consider getting a pump.

Sam DiGiovanna is a 35-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale.

View original post here:
How to Protect the Most Vulnerable Parts of Your Home From Wildfires - NBC Southern California

Webster Groves Ranch, super cute exterior, large front tree for optimal shade. Living room entry, warm inviting paint color, gleaming hardwood floors, large windows for optimal natural light. Great eat-in kitchen, stainless steel appliances, mosaic tiled back splash, custom cabinets. Two bedrooms, both with ample closet space, hardwood floors, ceiling fans. Modern full bathroom. Spacious finished walk-out basement, utility room, over sized closet, plush carpeting. Impressive fenced backyard oasis featuring covered patio for outdoor entertaining, potential areas for gardening, shed to house lawn equipment, and fire pit for hosting evening get-togethers. Home was fully renovated 5 years ago and brand new roof in 2017. Convenient location! 15 minutes to Downtown, Zoo, Science Center, City Museum, the Magic House. Walking distance to restaurants and shopping, plus Blackburn Park. Quiet neighborhood, great neighbors, welcome home!

View Listing

Originally posted here:
Affordable Starter Homes in the Park Hills Area - Corvallis Gazette Times

The annual summer tradition of chip-sealing Grand Junction roads has begun again.

Grand Junction Public Works Director Trent Prall said city crews began chip-sealing work May 31, and will take around eight weeks to complete the maintenance. The primary locations that will be chip sealed this year are west of 25 Road and north of Interstate 70 Business within the city limits.

(Chip sealing) puts a small 3/8th inch crushed rock over a thin layer of asphalt or oil, Prall said. Then we put another layer overtop of that to form that chip seal. So that seals up our roads and tries to keep the moisture out of the roads and into the gutters and into the storm drains.

For the chip-sealing program, Prall said the department has broken up the city into 12 areas and then rotates through each area, taking on one per year. In addition to that work Prall said the city now chip seals new roads and roads that are given an overlay of new asphalt within a couple years of that work.

The standard of care now is that once you pave a street, like with an overlay or a brand new street like Seventh Street, that you come back within a couple years and you put a chip seal over top of it, Prall said. That leaves that top part of the structure pretty moist, if you will, with oil.

Chip sealing is a cost efficient way to maintain roads, Prall said. Chip-sealing costs around $1.50 per square yard, Prall said, whereas an overlay costs around $15 a square yard and reconstructing a road costs between $75 and $120 a square yard.

There are some road overlay projects in the works this summer, Prall said. Those began around the same time as chip sealing and will take between eight and 10 weeks. While city staff performs the chip sealing work, the city contracts out for road overlay work. There are no street reconstruction projects this year, Prall said.

Were trying to get it back up to a more sustainable level where our chip seals are a lot more effective in keeping our roads sealed up and not have so many streets that need a full reconstruction like Seventh Street, Prall said.

This work is part of the 2017 ballot initiative that reallocated tax money to help improve Grand Junctions roads, Prall said. In 2017 the pavement condition index was at 69 out of 100, Prall said. The goal was to improve that to 73 by 2022. After last year the index was at 71, Prall said.

Other road projects

The city will be working on two other street projects this summer, Prall said.

It is working to widen Horizon Place west of Seventh Street, including installing sidewalks to Juniper Ridge Community School. It is also planning to widen Monument Road near the Lunch Loop Trailhead.

The widening of Monument Road will allow the city to add a second left-hand turning lane into the Lunch Loop parking lot. It will also add a 12-foot wide sidewalk to the south side of the road and increase the size of the parking lot to the west. Prall said the improvements will make the lot friendlier to larger vehicles like RVs and include space for venders.

Say Trek Cycles or Specialized Cycles comes to town and they want to demo some stuff out there at the trail head, they can pull up there and take up spaces there as opposed to taking up seven or eight spaces in the regular parking lot, Prall said.

That project will begin in July and conclude around Labor Day, Prall said.

More:
Grand Junction crews out chip sealing roads | Western Colorado - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel