The Paving Program focuses on preserving pavement while it is still in fair condition by placing a new layer of asphalt over the existing asphalt. Preserving a road in this manner will maintain an appropriate level of safety, minimize damage caused by water seeping into the roadway base, and preserve the roadway investment in the most cost efficient manner. A typical asphalt road has a serviceable life of 15-30 years depending upon location, traffic volumes, weather, and truck / heavy vehicle usage.
The Paving Process
Preparation:
Notification signs for paving and ADA work will be placed in upcoming construction areas prior to work beginning.
Paving:
- Some roads have been identified as needing existing asphalt ground off prior to placing the new asphalt. In addition, grinding at the beginning and ending of paving construction boundaries are required to match the level of the existing pavement surface. This will create a temporary, but noticeable bump until paving is complete.
- If grinding is not necessary or after grinding is complete, the paving crew will place a tack coat on the existing surface. The tack coat is placed for the purpose of creating a good bond between new asphalt and the existing surface. Do not walk or drive across the paving work unless instructed to do so by a member of the construction team.
- New hot mix asphalt is then placed on the tack coat and the material is compacted by rollers. Several passes are necessary to achieve the required compaction.
Finishing Work:
- If the road requires striping, the contractor (or in come cases a road maintenance crew) will restripe the road after it has been paved.
- If there are catch basins, manholes, or any other type of “iron” in the road, it will be raised to match the new asphalt grade after paving work is complete.