The following is a release from Snohomish County:

Snohomish County Public Works has begun its annual road resurfacing programs targeting 109 miles of county roadways. Motorists will experience smoother driving conditions after the county improves the streets.

The county annually evaluates its roads to develop a multi-year plan to preserve and maintain county streets in the most cost-effective way. This year, the county will pave 13 miles of road with asphalt through its Paving Program. It will also pre-level and/or chip seal approximately 96 miles of road through its Chip Seal Program.

Paving Program

This year’s paving work will take place between May and October. Where necessary, sidewalk ramps will also be upgraded to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The Paving Program focuses on preserving pavement while it is still in fair condition by placing a new layer of asphalt over the existing one. A typical paved road has a serviceable life of 15-30 years depending upon location, traffic volumes, weather, and truck/heavy vehicle usage. The work will be completed by paving contractors.

Chip Seal Program

Pre-leveling work began in April, while chip sealing work will begin in mid-June. Snohomish County Road Maintenance crews began pre-leveling work in the northwest area of the county and will work their way south and east. In mid-June, crews will switch equipment and materials and begin placing chip seals starting in south county areas and work their way north. All chip sealing is expected to be completed by mid-September.

The county’s Road Maintenance crews will use approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt to pre-level. This includes patching potholes and improving uneven or failing pavement prior to completing the chip seal work. Chip sealing extends the life of the road surface for an additional seven to 10 years.

Once the chips are pressed into place by a roller, the road is then opened to traffic. A temporary speed limit of 20 miles per hour will be in effect during the week following the chip seal placement. Adherence to this temporary speed limit will minimize the likelihood of loose, flying chips causing damage to a vehicle’s body or windshield. Crews will return within a week to sweep up any loose chips and, if needed, replace pavement striping.

Both chip seal and paving work are weather dependent and all preliminary schedules are subject to change.