Missoula Kicks Off Its Annual Street Chip Sealing Project

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The City of Missoula will begin the process of what is called ‘chip sealing’ later this month, asking residents and drivers to be cognizant and cooperative during the process.

I spoke with Brian Hensel, City of Missoula Deputy Public Works Director for Streets, about this year’s chip sealing project.

Annual City Chip Seal Project Begins on July 21

"On July 21 this year, through August 7, keeping in mind that street division works for 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, we will start our chip seal program,” began Hensel. “Normally, it is an annual program. However, last year, we remember the wind event, and we had to cancel to go and help clean up a whole bunch of downed trees. But unless that happens again, between now and the 21st, we will be starting the chip seal process.”

Hensel explained the importance of the chip sealing process to protect city streets.

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Hensel is Effective at Maintaining Asphalt on Missoula Streets

“Chip sealing is probably one of our more effective ways of maintaining asphalt on streets,” he said. “It provides us a way to seal and allow it to put a friction course to improve winter traction. It keeps out water, prevents UV (Ultra Violet) oxidation, and just helps us preserve our streets. And it's fairly economical; well, much more economical compared to complete milling, paving, or rebuilding.”

Hensel said there are very important dos and don’ts when it comes to the public and newly chip-sealed streets.

Officials ask Drivers to Drive Slowly and Carefully on Chip Sealed Streets

“One thing that I always like to remind the public to keep in mind is that, particularly if you encounter a street that's been freshly chip sealed, you will see what appears to be loose gravel,” he said. “If you're on a motorcycle or a bicycle, if you can avoid it, and if not, then drive very carefully and slowly. The chips will be loose until we can come back and get them all swept up. There will be ‘loose gravel’ signs shown all over the street, so you'll see them on approaches and any before you get to the actual ‘chip sealed’ streets, so you will have plenty of advance notice.”

Hensel said there will be clear indicators by the city that chip sealing will be underway and that drivers need to be cautious and respectful of city workers.

Please Shut Off Your Sprinklers when Your Street is Chip Sealed

“If your street is on the list to be chip sealed, there will be ‘no parking’ barricades posted the day before the street is to be chipped. We'd ask that you not only not park your vehicles, but please, if you can, shut your sprinklers off,” he said. “If water is leaking on the street the day we show up, we cannot start chip sealing until that water has been swept up and dried, and then the temperature of the asphalt has to rise above 65 degrees, so any water on that street can prevent us and slow us down.”

After Last Year's Windstorm City Officials are Doing Double Duty

Hensel said due to last year’s windstorm, the task of chip sealing the streets will be more complicated, and requested the public’s patience and cooperation from July 21 through August 7.

Click here for more details from the City of Missoula about the chip sealing project.