Lake Forest Park is resurfacing streets with chip seal

From the City of Lake Forest Park

The City of Lake Forest Park is committed to preserving and improving streets and employs two maintenance strategies to achieve these goals, asphalt overlays and chip sealing. The project area for the 2012 chip seal process is 55th Ave NE from the 19300 block to the 20400 block. The work is expected to take place in early August.

Chip sealing of roadways allows the City to stretch maintenance dollars by reducing the need for more expensive street overlays or full-street paving replacement.

The chip sealing process includes the following activities; first applying an oil coating to the existing roadway followed by a layer of fine rock (3/8 of an inch or less in size). Next the rock is compacted into the oil and allowed to set up overnight after which the residual rock is swept and removed. This process is again repeated with a second layer. Within a few days the surface is sealed by spraying with a layer of diluted asphalt, a process commonly called a fog seal.

We anticipate the contractor will be on site the first week in August. When an exact project start date has been set, the contractor will place informational signboards in the area containing parking instructions, date and time of project.

While work is underway the roadway on 55th Ave NE from the 19300 block to the 20400 block will need to be clear of vehicles. Vehicles left on the street the day of the chip seal work will be towed to allow the contractor full access to the street to complete the project. Residents will generally have access to their street and in and out of their driveway with only minimal delays. The contractor will attempt to keep half the street open as work proceeds.

For the chip seal process to be a success, the understanding and support of the affected residents is critical and greatly appreciated. Thank you for your cooperation. Questions? Please contact Scott Walker, Public Works Superintendent, 206-957-2825.