Our Public Works Department / Streets Division has collaborated with the Jackson County Roads Department on a ‘CHIP SEAL’ project on portions of East Main St and Tolman Creek Rd, with the work taking place earlier today, July 23. This routine maintenance, typically done every five to seven years, extends the road's life by five to ten years. The process involves applying a liquid tack layer followed by a layer of rock, which creates a new wear surface. After a few weeks, a final 'fog seal' is applied. The last chip seal on East Main St was in 2018.
Chip seal is a common road maintenance method used nationwide. Once completed, there is little difference between a chip-sealed surface and standard asphalt. The availability of the County Roads Department and the need for specific weather conditions can lead to unexpected scheduling challenges, making prior notifications difficult. However, residents along East Main St were notified on Saturday, July 20. The road was closed for about an hour, with a pilot car available for necessary through-traffic.
Chip seal projects are significantly cheaper than full road repaving, potentially saving millions of dollars. A full road replacement would take weeks to months, whereas the chip seal interruption lasted approximately one hour. Regular maintenance like this can delay large-scale replacements, saving considerable money and reducing repair times.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience. These projects, though sometimes announced on short notice, help extend roadway life, save money and minimize traffic disruptions.