The season of chip sealing and paving has begun in unincorporated Snohomish County.
By the end of October, more than 88 miles of road will be resurfaced.
A total of 83.3 miles, on 55 roads in South County and 10 roads in North County, will get a layer of chip seal. This minimizes the effects caused by rain and sun, extending the life of the road surface for seven to 10 years, according to the county.
In April, the county began pre-leveling work, which includes filling potholes and sealing cracks, in the Gold Bar, Index, Maltby and Monroe areas. Crews plan on moving onto the Lake Stevens, Ebey Island and Forbes Hill areas in May, and the following month they will be around Arlington, Darrington and Granite Falls.
In July, the laying of chip seals will start, again beginning in the southeast part of the county working north. Workers will put down a coat of asphalt, followed immediately by a layer of crushed rock, which is pressed into the roadway by a roller. After which, a 20 mph speed limit will be in effect for a week. This will diminish the chance of loose, flying rocks, according to the county.
The Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls will see the most road miles, 22.1, treated with chip seal. That’s followed by the Snohomish area where 24 locations will get the pavement treatment for a total of 18 miles.
Between May and October, the county plans to repave 5.4 miles on 14 roads, spread throughout the county.
This program preserves pavement by laying down a new layer of asphalt on areas still in fair condition. Crews first grind existing asphalt where needed, then lay a thin coating of an asphalt binding product that acts like an adhesive. Then a layer of hot asphalt goes down and is compacted by rollers.
Roads scheduled for this maintenance include Larch Way, from Poplar Way to Cypress Way in the Brier area. Also on the list is Marine Drive NE, from the Quilceda Creek Bridge to 19th Avenue NE on the Tulalip Reservation.
During this work, sidewalk ramps will be replaced to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
When needed, roads will be reduced to one lane during the resurfacing work, which will occur 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Both are weather dependent.
To get more information and to see a map of roads on the schedule for paving or chip sealing, go to www.snohomishcountywa.gov/512/Resurfacing-Paving-Chip-Seal.
Got a question? Email me at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com or call 425-374-4165. Please include your name and city of residence.
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