Hot tar is poured into or above a crack in the pavement to prevent water from entering the base layer.
Newly applied chip seal will shed rock for several weeks; this is normal and street sweeping will remove the excess gravel.
At first, chip seal has a rougher surface than asphalt, but it will get smoother over time as vehicles drive on it and will look and feel like asphalt.
Benefits
- Extends the life of the road
- Improves traction
- Helps reduce water damage
- Adds durability to the surface
- Cost effective
Notification and street closures
- Residents living on streets scheduled for chip seal will receive information and instructions in the mail.
- Signs are placed 24 hours in advance of chip seal work.
- On-street parking is not allowed the day a street is scheduled for chip seal.
- Street-parked vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense on construction days.
- Towed vehicle information is handled through the Gresham Police Department: 503-618-2318.