The City of Boerne will begin chip sealing several streets within the city limits starting Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Below is the list of streets expected to be repaired in the month of June. The City is continuing to identify additional streets that will be improved as the summer progresses.
- West Highland Street (from Main to School)
- West Hosack Street and Deer Road (from Main to School)
- Hickman Street (from Main to Frey)
- East Highland Street (from Main to Schweppe)
- Mesquite Street (from River Road to Theissen)
The City does not plan to close streets during work, but traffic may be held for a few minutes at certain times and flaggers will be there to direct traffic.
Various factors, including weather, can delay or postpone when a street is chip-sealed.
What is Chip Sealing?
The City of Boerne began utilizing a new type of chip seal in the summer of 2021 and will be using the same process again in 2022.
The rocks used are smaller than what was used in previous years and allows for a smoother and quieter driving surface, according to Development Services Director Jeff Carrol. It also reduces the risk of a rock chipping a car's windshield or paint.
The city maintains approximately 75 miles of roadway.
Drivers can travel on roads that have been chip sealed immediately, but it is important to drive slowly and attempt to avoid braking sharply within the first few hours. This time allows the chips to better adhere to the oil. Within a few days of the application process, the city will deploy a street sweeper to the area and pick up some of the loose rock.
By utilizing chip seal, the city can extend the life of the road in the most cost-effective way possible. Chip seals cost much less than asphalt – reducing the cost to taxpayers by approximately 80%.
Benefits and Facts
- Provides the opportunity to maintain many city roads for a lower cost.
- Extends the time between asphalt overlays and results in lower costs over the long term.
- Helps eliminate the need to crack seal. In hot weather, roads with chip seal re-seal cracks by flowing back together.
- Enhances safety by providing improved skid resistance.
- Provides an effective moisture barrier for the underlying pavement against water intrusion by sealing cracks in the pavement.
- Helps prevent deterioration of the asphalt surface from the effects of aging and oxidation due to water and sun.
