Chip seal problems - part 2

Tools

Story Published: May 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM MST

Story Updated: May 14, 2009 at 1:04 PM MST

By Steven Pope

Video

RIGBY - I previously spoke with ITD about a chip seal erosion down the center line of highway 20 between Rigby and Thorton. And while that problem might have been identified and solved, the noise complaints from the Burlwood neighborhood (see part 1) by I-15 made me wonder if the problem is deeper.

I asked ITD, "Why do you use chip seals?"

Bruce King responded, "The purpose of the chip seal is two fold. First to seal the pavement against weathering. And second to provide a semi rough surface for improved vehicle traction."

Documents from 2003 released by the State Materials Engineer read, "to minimize our exposure and answer public concerns, restrictions on chip size and asphalt type are being instituted... The district shall consider plantmix seal, microsurfacing, or other high volume seal coating application other than chip seal."

A second document reads, "due to our experience with several significant seal coat failures over the last several years... Procedures will allow us to address performance and noise concerns."

King continued, "Apply(ing) an additional coat of asphalt chips to seal it to provide(s) that traction. Plant mix forms the pavement, and then you seal that pavement with a chip seal."

I asked, "So even if you used plant mix you'd still have to use a chip seal?"

"Exactly," said King.

So even though that document says plant mix could be used in place of a chip seal, ITD uses a chip seal any way.

Be sure to look for multiple updates to this story as I investigate it. Feel free to email your responses and/or concerns to me: STEVENP@KIDK.COM

More videos

Current Weather

Current Temp 37.0 °F

Mostly Cloudy and Breezy

Video

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.