Managing Editor
PRYOR, OK ~ Ongoing construction tied to a large-scale solar farm east of Pryor has prompted concerns from Mayes County officials over significant damage to E. 460 Road.
During Monday’s county meeting, District 1 Commissioner Alva Martin said construction traffic associated with the Leeward Renewable Resources solar project has resulted in substantial wear to the roadway, particularly along both shoulders. Martin said an estimated 5,000 truckloads of dirt have been hauled into the project site, contributing to the deterioration.
“The shoulders are being destroyed,” Martin said, adding that the volume of dirt hauling was not something he recalls being discussed prior to the start of construction.
To address the issue, Martin proposed establishing a $500,000 escrow account to fund ongoing maintenance of E. 460 Road for the duration of the project. His plan would involve leasing a road grader, hiring an operator, and employing two flaggers dedicated exclusively to managing traffic and maintaining the roadway while construction continues.
Martin also requested changes to construction traffic patterns to reduce further damage. Under his proposal, loaded trucks would travel eastbound only on E. 460 Road. After unloading, trucks would return using N. 426 Road to E. 440 Road. Area residents would still be allowed to travel in both directions on E. 460 Road.
If that plan proves ineffective, Martin said the county may consider restricting daytime construction traffic on E. 460 Road to eastbound only, with two-way traffic restored at night.
Leeward representative Trey Holman told commissioners the company expects to operate in Mayes County for the next 30 years and wants to be a good partner with the county. However, Holman said he was not able to commit to funding an escrow account during Monday’s meeting.
Because no agreement was reached, a special meeting has been scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Mayes County Courthouse to continue discussions between county officials and Leeward representatives.
Martin also voiced concern that the scope of the construction now underway differs from his understanding during early project discussions. He said he believed the land would largely remain unchanged, with traffic limited to hauling equipment and supplies.
“I don’t remember any discussion about hauling in 5,000 loads of dirt,” Martin said.
County officials said they hope the upcoming meeting will result in a clear plan to protect county roads while allowing the project to move forward.
Managing Editor
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