Lake County Public Works Updates
Board Approves Cobb Area Rehabilitation Project Upgrade While Roadwork Continues Countywide
Lake County is upgrading Cobb Area roads to asphalt for greater durability while completing chip seal maintenance across County communities.
On July 29, 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved amending its contract with Argonaut Constructors to replace double chip seal with asphalt paving in the Cobb Area. Nichols Consulting Engineers (NCE), which designed the project, presented the engineering review and answered the Board’s questions.
As announced in the May 2025 edition, the Cobb Area Pavement Rehabilitation Project aims to restore 16 miles of roads damaged by the 2015 Valley Fire. After receiving concerns about the long-term durability of the pulverized and chip sealed roads, Interim Public Works Director Lars Ewing recommended upgrading the road surfacing to asphalt, which will add an estimated $1.1 million to the cost. District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska offered $225,000 from cannabis discretionary funds to help cover additional expenses. Ewing assured the change will not affect other County projects this fiscal year, noting the County’s services and supplies budget for road maintenance including funding for covers unanticipated needs.
During the presentation, Ewing outlined benefits of asphalt paving for the Cobb Area:
Fewer maintenance needs.
Better lifecycle performance.
Higher long-term value.
While asphalt paving costs more initially, its durability is anticipated to reduce overall expenses. Preliminary talks with Argonaut Constructors indicate paving could begin in September or October this year. Ewing also confirmed the County’s construction management firm will continue to provide construction support services through the change.
Following Lars’ presentation, Supervisor Pyska thanked him for acting quickly:
“We want these roads to last. We have public safety, County and CalFire standards. School buses, ambulances and snowplows use these roads. We need to invest for the long haul.”
District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier agreed, adding the County must ensure road projects are “done correctly and safely.” Public commenters, including a CalFire employee, supported the change, citing Cobb’s steep grades, traffic demands and winter snowplow use as reasons why asphalt is better suited and safer for the area.
To watch the presentation, click here.
To read NCE’s pavement design, click here.
Meanwhile, residents may have noticed chip seal work over existing asphalt roads in Kelseyville and Lower Lake this month:
August 11: Cole Rd, Live Oak Dr, Gross Rd, Cruickshank Rd, Loasa Rd to G Bar G Ranch
August 12: Loasa Rd, Benson Ln, Gaddy Ln
August 13: Soda Bay Rd
August 14: Soda Bay Rd
August 18-22: Soda Bay Rd, Point Lake View Rd, Konocti Vista Dr, Deiner Dr, Copsey Creek Sub., Winchester St, Mill St and extensions, Adams St, Second St, Lake St, Tish A Tang Rd, Mistle Toe Ln, Arrow Point Rd, Florence St, Orchard St, Jessie St.
Lake County’s Department of Public Works remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and lasting infrastructure across the entire county. Ongoing upgrades, from asphalt paving in the Cobb Area to pavement preservation in multiple communities, will extend road life, enhance safety and provide lasting value for all residents.