04/26/2007: "The Chip-Seal Season Is Coming"

The County Council was informed on Tuesday that PW (Public Works) will soon begin re-surfacing of some road sections on all three major islands. Newly hired PW engineer Rachael Dietzman was introduced as the engineer in charge of the chip-seal program. She told the council that with the the recent purchase of new, smaller, and improved rock, and in by use of a new asphalt emulsion, it is expected the county will soon have smoother, and longer lasting road surfaces. Another difference this year, she said, is that a consultant from the emulsion provider will be on hand to give advice and as the road crew “experiments” with the new rock and application process.

The rock will brought in by barge to LaFarge Beach on SJ; Odlin Park on Lopez, and at West Sound on Orcas. The rock is scheduled to be unloaded during the last week of April. The repair of county roads will begin -weather permitting- on May 14th, and is projected to be completed by the middle of June.

Drivers are reminded that speed limits are reduced on the effected roads until the surface has had time to harden; and that excess speed is not only dangerous, but can do damage to the soft surfacing. There is also the danger of damaged vehicles due to the loose rock. Just to make sure the public gets the message, traffic fines will be double the normal amount in the construction zones

In response from the Council on the impact to the public while the work is in progress, Public Works stated they will give 72 hour prior notice on which roads will be repaired, so that when possible the public can avoid the roads.

Councilman Rich Peterson questioned PW about the purpose of the concrete barriers that have been placed front and center in the parking lot of PW’s repair shop in Friday Harbor, and was told that this year PW decided to use the lot as a drop-off and loading area for the rock that will be used to repair the roads on San Juan.

The tentative CHIP SEAL SCHEDULE is as follows:

The tentative CHIP SEAL SCHEDULE is as follows:

(Note: “MP-“ stands for “Mile Post”, and is intended to allow the public know what sections of the road are scheduled to be repairs. MP signs are located next to the road. The construction schedule is weather dependent)

San Juan Island 14 May to 22 May

Cattle Point Road MP 1.54 – 9.63
Pickets Lane MP 0.00 – 0.49
Eagle Cove Road MP 0.00 – 0.78
False Bay Drive MP 1.73 – 3.39
Portland Fair Road MP 0.83 – 1.89
Aquila Lane MP 0.00 – 0.16
Halsey Road MP 0.00 – 0.31
Jensen Bay Road MP 0.00 – 0.83
Little Road MP 0.00 – 0.42
Douglas Road MP 1.73 – 2.24
Egg Lake Road MP 0.00 - 2.12
Beaverton Valley Road MP 0.96 – 5.84
Bailer Hill Road MP 5.56

Lopez Island 23 May to 31 May

Lopez Road MP 0.08 – 1.58
Military Road MP 0.00 – 0.85
Center Road MP 3.48 – 7.74
Cross Road MP 0.00 – 0.75
Ferry Road MP 1.43 – 2.07
Fisherman Bay Road MP 0.00 – 0.47

Orcas Island 31 May to 7 June

Doe Bay Road MP 0.00 – 0.10
Point Lawrence Road MP 0.00 – 3.87
North Beach Road MP 1.09 – 1.31
Blanchard Road Patches
Mountain View Lane, Crow Valley, Orcas Road Patches

Schedules are subject to change. Isolated repairs may also be made on roads not identified above.
A map of the road locations is available at Public Works.