Chip Seal Road Work Notice
Parachute, Colorado July 1, 2024 - Beginning Thursday, July 18th, Town of Parachute contractors will begin Chip Seal road resurfacing projects on several Town streets within the core of Parachute near the CFL school campus, including portions of the following streets; 2nd Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street, Parachute Ave., Green Street, Railroad Ave., Fisher Ave., Hallet Ave., Hill Ct., and Russey Ave. The project is estimated to be complete by mid-September. Work hours will generally be between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday – Friday, and all work will be subject to change and weather conditions.
What is Chip Seal?
Chip Seal is term used for a specific type of overlay treatment and common maintenance technique used on asphalt roadways. It involves the coating of hot emulsified oil that is sprayed at a specific distribution rate, followed by a layer of chipped rock spread over the top, which is then rolled and sealed with a top protective coating.
What You Can Expect during CHIP SEAL Operations:
· Drivers - During treatment, roads will be reduced to one lane of traffic or closed temporarily. Drivers should expect some delays, but roads will be re-opened on a rolling basis after chip sealing. Closures are only expected to last ~30 minutes. All lanes will be open to reduced-speed traffic at the end of each work day. To avoid getting oil on your car, drive and stop slowly, and avoid turning your wheel while in a stopped position. Alternate routes, if possible, are advised.
· Pedestrians/Bicycles - Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will not be permitted in active areas that are being chip sealed due to safety concerns. Please follow detours and use alternative routes, if possible.
· Residents - Street parking will not be allowed for the duration of the project. As the operation passes your property, there will be a window of time in which you cannot exit your driveway. This will not last more than 20 minutes. We will provide advanced notice of when project will occur to minimize impact to residents.
Why do we Chip Seal instead of repave?
New asphalt is designed to be sealed for longevity (similar to how business parking lots apply a product to restore its black appearance). Chip sealing utilizes binder oil and rock to effectively seal the road surface, significantly extending its lifespan. A chip-sealed road can last between 50 and 80 years, while an unsealed road would typically last no more than 20 years.
What the purpose of Chip Sealing?
Chip Sealing serves two primary purposes:
1. Lifespan Extension: It significantly prolongs the life of roads.
2. Enhanced Winter Driving: The process provides an additional surface layer, contributing to improved road conditions during winter.
Thank you for your patience as we work to complete this essential maintenance to keep our roadways in safe and proper condition. If you have any additional questions, please contact Town Hall at 970-285-7630 or email us at info@parachute.gov.
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