Work on the multipurpose complex track is underway, with McConnell & Associates (MAC) resurfacing it, adding striping and completing other sitework.

The St. James Board of Education awarded the track resurfacing bid in April to McConnell & Associates (MAC) as the best and lowest bidder on the project. Three bids were received, with MAC offering the lowest price at $98,651.

GeoSurfaces offered a bid with two options, the first for $168,700 and second for $305,500. Byrne and Jones was the final bidder, proposing $127,000 to complete the work.

MAC, which operates out of Kansas City, will apply two coats of polyurethane and structural spray to the track, two inches thick. The company will also lay out and re-stripe the running track, with a new exchange zone layout.

Work does not include repairing track bed deficiencies, correcting planarity, pressure washing, asphalt or concrete work, or seeding or sodding. The board does not anticipate the listed exclusions to be required for the resurfacing project.

During its April meeting, Superintendent Tim Webster told the board the district has been budgeting for the track repairs for several years, knowing the time for resurfacing was approaching.

The track has had minimal work done since it was originally constructed. The project will ensure students and community members have a safe facility for sports and activities.

Stripping the old track has already begun. The facility is closed to the public while work is completed.