The Annual Street Program is a maintenance operation that consists of repair techniques intended to extend the life of asphalt pavement.  This program does not address street improvements such as complete pavement reconstruction or upgrading unimproved streets.  The program uses standard repair techniques such as pavement resurfacing, crack sealing and seal coating.  Streets are chosen for repair based upon several factors.  The city’s streets are inspected every two to three years in order to obtain a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) which is one of the main factors in deciding which streets to repair.  Traffic volume and the street’s functional classification also help to determine which streets will be repaired since streets with both higher volume and heavier loading typically get repaired on a more frequent basis. 

The following are short descriptions of typical pavement repairs utilized by the City:

Crack Sealing is a localized treatment method used to prevent water and debris from entering a crack thus preventing premature pavement failures, deterioration and potholes. The sealant forms a long-lasting, resilient seal which is flexible and expandable in varying and extreme pavement temperatures. Crack sealing is an inexpensive and effective method for extending pavement life. Crack sealing is typically utilized on average to above average streets in respect to pavement condition.

A seal coat (chip seal) is an application of asphalt cement followed immediately with an aggregate cover. A seal coat consists of either coal tar pitch or asphalt cement mixed with inert fillers, water, emulsifying agents, or additives. Seal coats can waterproof the pavement surface, provide low-severity crack sealing and restore pavement surface friction. Seal coating is utilized on streets with a low to moderate level of traffic volume. Seal coating is a common, inexpensive and effective way of maintaining streets and extending pavement life.