Klamath Falls, Oregon – The downtown area is getting chip sealing work done by road workers. The project started on August 25 and is expected to last for around two weeks. The work is part of the city’s larger plan to keep the streets in good shape and make them last longer.
The work started around 3rd and Pine Street and will slowly advance across the downtown grid until all the planned areas are done. Drivers will see traffic control put up in different places every day because the work zone moves from block to block. Crews are putting up signs and sandwich boards to let people know ahead of time when parking and transport lanes will be closed.
There are a few steps to chip sealing. First, workers put a thin coating of hot asphalt on the road surface. Then, they sprinkle small pieces of rock, called “chips,” on top of it. Rollers press the chips into the asphalt to make the binding stronger. After that, crews clean up any loose stones, put on a fog seal to make it last longer, and then come back later to put the stripes back on.
City officials say that this method saves money and helps stop damage from happening in the future. Chip sealing makes roads last longer by filling in cracks and keeping water and weather from getting to the pavement. This means that road repairs will be less expensive in the future. It also makes it easier for cars to get around, which makes it safer for drivers and bikers in the congested downtown region.
Read also: Governor Kotek warns Oregon faces $15 billion loss from GOP budget bill
As crews work on the project, parking restrictions and lane closures will happen in stages. Officials said that while this will temporarily make it harder to get to some shops and offices, each closure will only be for a short time and will only affect the block that is being built.
The city acknowledged the inconvenience but stressed the importance of keeping up with preventative maintenance. Taxpayers save money and don’t have to do as many full resurfacing projects when they extend the life of existing streets. While the work is going on, officials praised residents, business owners, and visitors for being patient.
The newly sealed streets will be smoother and safer, and they will last longer without getting worn down.
