As part of its 2026 construction program and ongoing pavement preservation strategy, the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) has contracted Fahrner Asphalt Sealers to complete chip seal on 26 miles of county primary roads from July 22 through September 4, weather permitting. Fog seal applications will follow from August 10 through September 15. All work is weather dependent and subject to change.

 

Traffic Control – Expect Delays

Traffic will be maintained using flaggers, with one-way traffic alternating through the work zone. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to choose an alternate route when possible.

 

Work Schedule

Work will be completed one segment at a time, starting with the chip seal application. The contractor will then return to each segment approximately 10 to 14 days later to complete a fog seal application.

 

Order

1. 19 Mile Road: Lincoln Lake Avenue to Montcalm Avenue

2. Lincoln Lake Avenue: 5 Mile Road to Belding Road (M-44); Hart Street to 19 Mile Road

3. Hart Street: Wabasis Avenue to Lincoln Lake Avenue

4. Cascade Road: Snow Avenue to Montcalm Avenue

5. Alden Nash Avenue: I-96 to Grand River Drive

 

Application Process

During the chip seal application, a liquid asphalt emulsion is sprayed onto the roadway and covered with fine aggregate. Rollers embed the aggregate into the emulsion, and sweepers remove the excess loose stone.

 

During the fog seal application, a lighter ratio of asphalt emulsion is applied to the roadway and helps lock the aggregate in place. The fog seal also creates a smoother, more uniform black surface that enhances the visibility of pavement markings.

 

Reduced Speed Advisories Post Chip Seal Application

Some loose aggregate is normal for a few days following the chip seal application and will be swept from the roadway before the fog seal is applied. During this time, motorists should obey posted advisory speed limits, reduce their speed, and allow for additional following distance.

 

The Purpose

Chip seal is a pavement preservation treatment that KCRC uses at different stages in a road's life.

 

Chip seal may be applied shortly after a pavement replacement, resurfacing or reconstruction project to protect the investment by slowing oxidation caused by sunlight and guarding against water infiltration, preserving the new pavement's flexibility and extending its service life.

 

Roads can also receive a chip seal application as they begin to show signs of aging and wear. In these cases, KCRC performs the necessary preventive maintenance, such as crack sealing or localized pavement repairs, to restore the existing surface before applying chip seal to further preserve the road and extend its service life.

 

In both cases, the goal is the same: applying the right treatment at the right time to maximize the life of the road and delay more costly repairs.

 

Funding

Federal Surface Transportation Program funding is supporting the preservation treatments along these 26 miles of primary roads.

 

Across the county road network, KCRC will invest more than $7 million in pavement preservation during the current construction season.