What: Sealcoat (Chip Seal) Program and Overlay (Bituminous Resurfacing) Program
When: Beginning the week of July 30, 2007, weather dependent, through the next few weeks or until completion
Where: Various locations throughout Washtenaw County
Why: To extend the lifespan of primary and local paved road surfaces
Background
The Washtenaw County Road Commission Operations Department announced that work began on their Annual Sealcoat (Chip Seal) Program, and Annual Overlay (Bituminous Resurfacing) Program.
The week of July 30, 2007, work began on the primary road sealcoat applications in Northfield Township, beginning on Sutton Road, from Pontiac Trail to North Territorial Road, and continuing onto Nixon Road, from Pontiac Trail to M-14 in Ann Arbor Township. Sealcoat work also began on Old US 12, from Fletcher Road west to the Lima/Sylvan Township Line, and from the Lima/Sylvan Township line to the Jackson County line in Sylvan Township.
Additional primary roads on the 2007 sealcoat schedule include Cavanaugh Lake Road, from Glazier to the Jackson County Line in Sylvan Township, and Sharon Hallow Road, between Herman and Watkins Roads in Manchester Township. The total miles on primary roads to receive sealcoat applications this season is 20.5.
Local roads scheduled for sealcoat applications in Sylvan Township include:
- Pierce Road, from Old US-12 to Bush Road
- Musbach Road, from Notten Road to Winters Road
- Garvey Road, from Kalbach Road to the east
- Ivey Road, from Bush Road to Werkner Road
- Werkner Road, from M-52 to Sibley Road
- McKernan Road, from M-52 to the west
The total local roads that will receive sealcoat applications are 26.1 miles.
Sealcoat is applied using a combination of emulsion (liquid asphalt and water mixture) and small stones, which are placed on the surface. The mixture adheres to the pavement surface in relatively short time with the aid of a roller that sets the material in place, accompanied with normal vehicle weight and travel. One application of sealcoat can extend the longevity of the pavement and estimated six to eight years; the cost to sealcoat one mile of paved road is approximately $10,000.
Upon the completion of the sealcoat work, which is expected to take about two weeks, the Road Commission will post signs along the road warning motorists of “loose stone” that may remain until such time the application adheres to the road surface and the Road Commission completes sweeping. Motorists are advised to drive with caution and reduce speeds to avoid unexpected sliding or throwing loose stone.
A contractor hired by the Road Commission will begin the Overlay Program in August, which will include the bituminous resurfacing of roads and and/or approaches on the following county roads:
- Pontiac Trails, between Nixon Road and M-14 (3 locations)
- North Territorial, west of Earhart Road
- Austin Road, west of Schneider Road
- 6-Mile Road, from US-23 east to the end of pavement
- Jackson Road at Parker Road
- 6-Mile Road at Dickerson and McFadden
- Judd Road at Platt Road
- Frains Lake Road at M-153
- Numerous locations throughout Ypsilanti, Superior and Pittsfield Townships
Once the overlay work begins, it is anticipated that it will continue through the fall, weather dependent.
To maintain the safety of road crews, please continue to reduce speeds and drive cautiously through roadwork areas. The Washtenaw County Road Commission thanks you in advance for your patience as these important road improvements are underway.
Contacts
If you have any questions concerning the Sealcoat and Overlay Programs, please contact Ed Reed, Superintendent of Maintenance, at (734) 327-6680, or via email atreede@wcroads.org. If you require assistance with media information, please contact Val Cooper, Public Information Officer, at (734) 327-6675 or via email at: cooperv@wcroads.org.