The Ada County Highway District is set to kick off annual chip seal operations Tuesday, May 31 on streets in Kuna and Meridian
ACHD plans to chip seal 341 miles of roadway in Ada County this summer. Crews will cover most of Preventative Maintenance Zone 3, which includes roads south of Lake Hazel Road, and west of Pleasant Valley Road. All arterials and collectors within the zone, along with half of the residential roads, are planned for chip seal.
In addition to Maintenance Zone 3, crews will also chip seal two roads in Boise: Bogus Basin Road from West Curling Drive up to the county line, and South Shoshone Street from Rose Hill Street to Overland Road.
An interactive map is available and will be updated daily showing where crews are working, and where chip seal has been completed.
During operations in residential areas, impacted residents and businesses will receive notices five to ten days before work begins. This notice will include intended timelines; however, all work is weather dependent.
In some areas, "No Parking" signs will be placed by the sidewalks next to the street 24 to 48 hours before the work starts. Residents will need to move their vehicles and refrain from parking on the street during operations. Remaining vehicles may be towed.
This year, many areas set to be chip sealed are in more rural areas with higher speed limits. It is especially important for drivers to slow down in chip seal zones to avoid kicking up loose chips and oil, which can damage vehicles. Drivers should plan extra time for their commute when heading through roads being chip sealed.
"This annual operation is vital to keeping Ada County roads in good shape for all users," said ACHD Commission President Mary May. "Chip seal is an efficient and effective way to provide preventative maintenance. The operation prolongs the life cycle of our roadways while saving the taxpayers money."
The chip seal process seals and protects roads from usual weather and wear. Residents can learn more about the why, how, when, and where behind the annual chip seal process.
ACHD's communications team will also conduct a live interview on social media with Maintenance Supervisor, Lloyd Carnegie to help residents better understand the annual operation. Residents are encouraged to submit questions about the chip seal process.
Chip seal season is expected to be complete by September, weather permitting.