Maintenance Activities

Standard Chip Seal
Chip sealing is the most common resurfacing method in Jefferson County. Chip Sealing is usually used to pave long stretches of rural roads, but has also been used on urban roads with success. Visit this page for in-depth information on the process and to view a map of scheduled chip-sealing routes here.

Fog Seal
This process is used to rejuvenate the asphalt surface which degrades and oxidizes with time due to environmental and other conditions. The fog seal is applied to the surface with a small amount of emulsified oil (50% diluted with water). The oil fills in the crevices and small cracks and helps to extend the life of the existing pavement.

Crack Sealing
To combat the effects of water penetration into the sub grade, Jefferson County applies a flexible crack sealant into and over cracks that are 1/4" wide or greater. Cracks are sealed before overlaying, fog sealing, or chip sealing a road. When the crack filler dries it leaves the crack sealed from any further infiltration, extending the life of the road a few more years or until the next scheduled repair or replacement. Arterial roads are evaluated yearly for crack sealing candidates.

Road Surface Patching
(Pavement removal and replacement)- When an area of road surface is damaged it is repaired and then a layer of hot asphalt mix and base rock area is applied. The arterial roads are a priority. Roads to be chip sealed, fog sealed, or overlay require these repairs.

Asphalt Repair Program
This process involves grinding some of the old asphalt off and relaying new asphalt or chip seal. This is used to preserve the roads.