Lake County leaders are fast-tracking emergency repairs on Socrates Mill Road near Middletown over fears the roadway could eventually give way. County staff say significant ground instability threatens a key route used by residents, businesses, and nearby energy providers. Supervisors voted to skip the normal bidding process so repairs can move ahead faster with a single contractor handling both the design and construction work. Officials say the road is especially important for access to Calpine and the Northern California Power Agency facilities. One supervisor questioned why other serious road issues around the county have not been handled with the same urgency.