What happened: According to a county press release, Midland County’s Road and Bridge Department has made significant progress since October in maintaining and improving county roads. Crews completed ditch maintenance, improved nearly 30 miles of unpaved roads, placed asphalt millings on key routes, and brought right-of-way mowing in-house for a full countywide cycle.

“This department has evolved into something truly impactful for Midland County,” County Judge Terry Johnson said during the recent Commissioners Court meeting. “The progress is clear, and the direction is strong.”

The big picture: The department removed nearly 100,000 pounds of trash and debris, more than 8,600 cubic yards of dirt and sand, and over 1,200 illegally dumped tires. Officials credit expanded public drop-off opportunities for the drop in illegal dumping. Crews also applied more than 100 tons of patch material to repair potholes and road damage.

“Every mile we touch and every load we haul off makes a difference for the people who live and travel here,” Road and Bridge Director G.W. Hanson said. “We’re focused on safer roads, cleaner right-of-ways, and projects that are built to last.”

Go deeper: Major work continues on several roads, including the reconstruction of South County Road 1110 and improvements to South County Road 1250 and Anetta Drive. Safety upgrades are planned for South County Road 1232, including improved lighting, rumble strips, and new signage.

The county’s chip seal program begins in late May, with dozens more projects, including corridor reconstructions, new connections, and drainage projects, in design or queued for construction. The department added a dedicated inspection team to oversee permits and capital projects. The upcoming East County Road 110 project near the new detention center will be the first fully inspected from start to finish.

“As we take on more complex projects, inspection becomes critical,” Hanson said. “You don’t get what you expect, you get what you inspect. That mindset is shaping how we deliver infrastructure moving forward.”

What’s next: This summer, the department will roll out new asset management software to track maintenance and permits more efficiently. Crews will also begin in-house striping with new equipment and fog seal about 40 miles of roadway.