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County to trial alternative chip-seal product as commissioners aim to protect pavement life
Summary
Road & Bridge staff requested a $200,000 trial of a different sealant to extend pavement life rather than adding lane miles; commissioners discussed lane-mile targets (15–22 per year) and the long-term cost trade-offs between chip seal and full reconstruction.
Commissioners and road staff debated whether to invest an additional $200,000 to test a different chip-seal oil intended to extend pavement life instead of increasing lane miles. Finance said contracted material funding is about $4.1 million and that the $200,000 is for a different sealant product trial rather than adding lane miles.
A commissioner with pavement experience urged preventive work: “If you don't start on the bottom end with the road oil for your chip seal program, that's where you end up having the back end of the mill and overlay, having to do so much because so much has fallen apart faster than you can keep up with it.” Commissioners noted the county’s recommended maintenance target of roughly 22 lane miles per year versus a current delivery nearer 15–18 miles and discussed the implications of underfunding maintenance over time.
The commission expressed general support for prioritized, preventive maintenance and for testing products that extend service life. No final change to lane-mile targets was adopted; staff will continue to monitor bids and present options for Aug. 26.
