From Harford County government:
This summer, the Harford County Department of Public Works (DPW) will be taking a proactive approach to the maintenance of asphalt roads by performing a preventative maintenance technique known as micro-surfacing.
In much the same way that blacktop driveways need to be sealed to extend their life, blacktop roadways must also be sealed. This rejuvenates the aging pavement and helps protect it from the degenerative affects of water that ultimately causes potholes through the freeze/thaw cycle.
The micro-surfacing process, used throughout the State of Maryland and around the country, is approximately 1/3 the cost of a bituminous concrete (blacktop) overlay, thereby allowing DPW to seal and protect more of the county’s 646+ miles of asphalt roads each year.
DPW is placing a double layer of the micro-surfacing product on 41 miles of roads throughout Harford County over the next few months. Citizens are advised that the initial product is different from a bituminous concrete overlay in that the surface will not be quite as smooth, and there may be some raveling of stones.
The stones are added to increase the durability and skid resistance of the surface; however, some may become loose while the product cures. This is normal and the contractor is required to address this by sweeping the road approximately 10 days after the installation of the material. Additionally, while the initial surface may not be as smooth as new blacktop, the combination of traffic and the warm summer sun will work together to smooth the surface over a period of time.
DPW is also sending a letter that provides additional information on the product to the affected residents in the coming days.
Residents may contact the Project Engineer, Glen Hebel (gchebel@harfordcountymd.gov) or the Project Manager, Tim Dorbit (tgdorbit@harfordcountymd.gov) at 410-638-3509 if they have any specific questions or concerns.
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