Navigating Chip Seal Season in the Treasure Valley: What Drivers Need to Know

Chip seal season is upon us here in the beautiful Treasure Valley! As the temperatures rise and the road crews gear up, drivers need to understand the impact of chip sealing on their daily commute. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of chip seal season and why it matters to you as a driver. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

Which Streets Will be Chip Sealed in Summer 2023?

Nampa plans to complete 30 lane miles of chip sealing this summer in subdivisions between Cherry Lane and Birch Lane and along larger roads like North Franklin Boulevard, Madison Road, and Linden Road.

What is Chip Seal?

Chip seal is a road maintenance technique commonly used during the summer months to extend the life of our beloved roadways. It involves applying a layer of liquid asphalt followed by a layer of aggregate (small stones) onto the road surface. Once compacted, it forms a protective barrier that seals cracks, prevents further deterioration, and improves vehicle traction.

Why You Should Know About It

Chip seal, while beneficial for road maintenance, has the potential to cause some vehicle damage if proper precautions are not taken. Here are a few ways chip seal can impact vehicles:

Loose Stones: During the initial application of the chip seal, loose stones may be present on the road surface. These loose stones can be kicked up by passing vehicles, causing them to strike other vehicles. This can lead to windshield chips or cracks, paint chips, or even damage to the vehicle’s body.

Rough Surface Texture: Chip seal creates a more uneven surface texture than smooth asphalt. This can result in increased tire noise and vibration while driving. The rougher surface can also cause accelerated tire wear, especially if tires are already worn or improperly inflated.

Reduced Traction: While the chip seal improves traction, the initial phase’s loose stones can temporarily reduce tire grip. This can affect braking distance and vehicle stability, particularly in wet conditions. Drivers need to adjust their driving habits, maintain a safe speed, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration to mitigate the risk of accidents.

To minimize potential vehicle damage during chip seal season, drivers should exercise caution and follow these recommendations:

Maintain Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid the possibility of loose stones being thrown up by their tires.

Reduce Speed: Slow down when driving on chip-sealed roads to reduce the impact of loose stones and maintain better vehicle control.

Avoid Abrupt Maneuvers: Steer clear of sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp turns, as these can cause loose stones to hit the vehicle or lead to loss of traction.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated and in good condition. This can help minimize the risk of tire damage and improve overall vehicle performance on chip-sealed roads.

Enhanced Durability and Safety:

Chip sealing is a cost-effective method that significantly enhances the durability and safety of our roads. Filling cracks and preventing water penetration help extend the pavement’s lifespan. Additionally, the textured surface created by the aggregate enhances traction, especially during wet conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and skidding.

Temporary Disruption and Precautions:

While chip seal application is beneficial in the long run, it does come with temporary inconveniences for drivers. Loose stones and a rougher surface texture can impact vehicle traction and cause minor windshield damage. As a driver, adjusting your driving habits during chip seal season is crucial. Slow down, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

Patience and Appreciation:

As we navigate chip seal season, try to exercise patience and appreciate the efforts of the road crews. They work tirelessly to maintain and improve our road infrastructure, ensuring smoother and safer journeys. So, the next time you encounter a chip-sealed road, take a moment to appreciate the hard work that goes into keeping our highways in top shape.

Conclusion:

Chip seal season in the Treasure Valley brings temporary disruptions and long-term benefits to our roads. Understanding the process and adapting our driving habits can ensure a safer and smoother experience during this maintenance period. So, embrace the temporary inconveniences, exercise caution, and appreciate the dedication of our road crews.