The town has to dig a little deeper, both literally and figuratively, to complete the improvements under way on Shea Boulevard.

At its April 2 meeting the Town Council approved an amendment to the contract with Nesbitt Contracting for the work on Shea.

The change is not to exceed $298,271.88, which would still be within budget for the project. The contract amendment was included on the council consent agenda, so it was approved without discussion.

In a staff report to council Town Engineer Randy Harrel said during the course of construction questions were raised about whether the condition of the existing asphalt was adequate for the mill and overlay process without resulting in premature failure.

The town requested core samples and analysis from a geotechnical engineering, which confirmed a need for full asphalt replacement instead of the mill and overlay process.

Staff agreed with the recommendation for full replacement to provide for a surface with a 35- to 40- year lifespan.

Nesbitt provided the estimate, which includes a $15,000 contingency for unforeseen needs.

The old asphalt will be removed with the subgrade to be prepared and compacted and new asphalt will be installed including a rubberized top coat.

The final cost will be determined by the actual quantities of labor and materials used for the work.

The contract amendment also includes a seven-day time extension to complete the work.

The additional cost is within budget and will be paid with 70 percent of the funds from Maricopa Association of Governments funding based on Proposition 400 transportation funding, and 30 percent will be paid from the town’s Capital Improvement Projects fund.

To date the contractor has completed the third westbound lane west of Saguaro Boulevard, made median adjustments and widened the Shea/Saguaro intersection and new traffic lights have been installed at the intersection.

The mill and overlay and pavement replacement will include the entire roadway, east and west bound, between the town boundary near the Beeline Highway and Technology Drive at the west end of the Target shopping center.

The work is scheduled for completion in June.