Chip Sealing to Start in Ivoryton

Please be advised that Chip Sealing will begin soon on the roadways listed below:

Comstock Ave, Terrace Ln, Ivory St, Ebony Ln, Fife Ct, Rosewood Ln, Townwoods Rd, Westwood Rd

Work has begun to repair deteriorated areas of the road. In mid to late August, after repairs are made, our contractor will arrive to start the Chip Seal application. We anticipate the application to take one week. A speed limit of 15 mph will be posted during and after completion of the project. Many of the roads on the list will receive 2 coats of chip seal. These roads have been selected due to cracks and deteriorated areas. This new surface treatment will extend and preserve the durability of the road.

Please pay attention to work zones and flagger directions. During the process, liquid asphalt is applied first followed by a stone layer. DO NOT drive over the liquid asphalt until the stone is spread. The liquid and stone should be applied in less than 5 minutes. Until the roads are swept, loose stone can be hazardous for riders, runners, and walkers. Diving too quickly will cast loose stones in the air and create dust, limit visibility, and may cause damage to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. For these reasons, please drive SLOWLY. Do not exceed 15 mph until the signs have been removed. Roads will be swept 5-7 days after the Chip Sealing process and the posted 15 mph signs will be removed.

In the past the Town used a larger 3/8-inch stone for Chip Sealing. We are now using 1/4-inch stone because it has a smoother finish surface which is more acceptable for pedestrians and vehicles.

We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience during this time and appreciate your patience while we improve Town roadways.

CHIP SEAL FACT SHEET

“Chip Sealing” is a common type of pavement maintenance that extends pavement life and provides a good driving surface. Since some residents may not be familiar with the chip seal construction method, this fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions.

How Are Chip Seals Placed?

First, the road surface needs to be properly cleaned of debris and any deteriorated areas repaired. Next, a liquid asphalt distributor truck sprays each lane with hot liquid asphalt to assure an even application. The asphalt used is applied at a temperature between 150- and 185-degrees F. A chip spreader follows as rapidly as possible with a stone application, preferably within one minute. The asphalt must be fluid so the stone will be embedded by the displacement of the asphalt. Next, a rubber-tire roller is used to compact the stone into the liquid asphalt. Rolling orients flat sides of the stone down and produces a bonded stone surface. It takes two to four passes of the roller to set the rock. Sweeping is done 5- 7 days after completion of the chip seal process to remove surplus rock from the surface.

Can I drive on a freshly Chip Sealed Road? Yes, you can drive on a Chip Seal right after it is applied. However, it is important to drive slowly and attempt to avoid breaking sharply. This allows the aggregate chips to adhere to the emulsifying binder strongly.

Does the Chip Seal look and feel different than asphalt? Yes, Chip Seal stone aggregate is imbedded from the surface as opposed to mixed in an asphalt layer. This means it’s a rougher surface, however after sweeping and a few months of vehicle traffic the surface becomes smooth.

Why Use Chip Seals?

· A chip Seal is very cost-effective preservation treatment, about one fifth the cost of a conventional asphalt pavement methods.

· The lower cost of chip seals allows the Town to apply a surface treatment much sooner than asphalt paving. This extends the life of our infrastructure and benefits the traveling public to drive on well-maintained roads.

· Chip Seals enhance safety by providing good skid resistance. This adds a measure of safety on curves and hills in rain, snow, and ice conditions.

· Chip Seals create a waterproof membrane for the underlying pavement. It is crucial to prevent water intrusion by sealing the existing pavement layer.

· Chip Seals prevent deterioration of the asphalt surface from the effects of aging and oxidation due to water and sun.