Snohomish County has begun its annual roadway resurfacing program, this year focusing on 88 miles of county roadways.

The county annually evaluates its entire road network in an effort to develop a multi-year plan for preserving and maintaining county roads in the most cost-effective way possible. This year the county will chip seal about 85 miles while paving another three miles of road with asphalt.

Road Maintenance Division crews will use approximately 8,200 tons of asphalt to patch potholes and improve rough or failing pavement as well as to complete the chip seal work. Chip sealing extends the life of the road surface for an additional seven to 10 years. Typically crews are able to complete the work quickly to minimize impacts to residents and businesses.

The chip seal process consists of the following steps:

· A layer of asphalt oil is applied to the road.

· This is followed by a layer of crushed rock/chips.

· The chips are pressed into place by a roller.

The road is immediately usable, and during the following week, most remaining crushed rock is pressed into the asphalt by vehicles driving on the road. A temporary 20-mph speed limit will be enforced during that time. Crews will return within a week to sweep up any loose chips and replace pavement striping.

Chip sealing is scheduled to begin July 8 in various south county neighborhoods. The Road Maintenance paving crew will work from east to west in July. During August, they will work their way north and northwest. Though work progress and schedule are weather dependent, all chip seal work should be complete by mid September.

The overlay work is now underway and being done by Cemex.