Traffic (cars and especially heavy trucks) and weather (sunshine, rain, etc.) deteriorate the condition of a street with time. Without proper maintenance, the negative effects of traffic and weather, such as cracking and potholes, will increase. In such a case, the street will wear and age to a point where it has little value, and will need complete reconstruction.
The Pavement Management Program aims to maintain streets that are in reasonably good condition by applying inexpensive surface treatments to preserve the road for many more years. Each year, the program also select streets that are in poorer condition for more expensive rehabilitation efforts.
It is important to not only work on the worst local streets, but to also preserve the good streets we already have.
Crack sealing is a preventive maintenance treatment. Crack sealing fills pavement cracks, preventing further deterioration of the street. Studies indicate that crack sealing programs are cost effective in extending the life of pavement as opposed to the cost of extensive pavement repairs for streets left unsealed. Crack sealing is also often placed in advance of surface treatments to improve long-term performance.
- Crack Seal lasts approximately 3-5 years.
Chip sealing is a preventive maintenance treatment. This procedure rejuvenates old asphalt and creates a new riding surface. Chip seal reduces pavement deterioration, such as potholes, and extends the life of the street.
Chip sealing is the application of crushed aggregate or gravel (chips) over an emulsified asphaltic oil. The oil seals the street from water penetration while the chips provides a wearing surface for traffic.
When we chip seal roads, drivers will notice a day or two during which loose chips are on the street. This is a normal part of the process. It’s safe to drive on, and we’ll be back soon to sweep and apply a final layer of liquid asphalt to secure the chips.
- Chip Seal lasts approximately 8-10 years.
Learn more about chip seal treatments.
Prior to larger street treatments, such as an asphalt overlay, City staff will inspect and determine if any curb, gutter, sidewalk or other concrete material needs removal and replacement within the project limits.
Learn more about the process of concrete replacement >
If needed, we’ll also trim overgrown shrubs or grasses that may be blocking areas of the street identified for improvement.
An overlay is a more intense maintenance treatment often described as street rehabilitation. An asphalt overlay generally consists of roto-milling (removal of) approximately 1 ½ to 2 inches of existing pavement and replacing it with new asphalt pavement materials. Preparatory work such as asphalt patching, edge milling and utility adjustments will be completed prior to any overlay work. Overlays are less expensive than complete street reconstruction and result in smoother and stronger pavement.
- Asphalt overlays last approximately 15-25 years.
As a last resort, when a roadway has deteriorated beyond the point where an overlay would be beneficial, a total reconstruction of the street is required. Reconstruction involves the removal of all existing pavement and replacement with new materials. Full street reconstruction is not common, but is required from time to time. This process is expensive and the goal of the Pavement Management Program is to delay or avoid reconstruction.
