Pavement Management

The combined effects of the environment and traffic on a roadway will cause even the most well-designed and constructed roadway to deteriorate over time. However, with regular roadway maintenance we can slow down this deterioration process.

MCDOT has developed a Pavement Management Program to direct its pavement preservation process and establish a standardized pavement preservation plan for county roadways.

The Pavement Management Program:

  • Identifies all paved road segments
  • Records road evaluations
  • Generates pavement needs
  • Prioritizes preservation plans
  • Projects annual and multi-year funding needs; and
  • Tracks the maintenance history

Maintenance
Maintaining existing pavement according to the Pavement Management Program allows MCDOT to identify preservation treatments and timing that aim to prolong the life of the road by sealing cracks and waterproofing surfaces, slowing pavement weathering and aging, and improving surface appearance and friction.

Prior to performing pavement maintenance, residents will be notified pavement maintenance will be taking place on their street and what they can expect.

Pavement Management is separated into six different types of treatment:

  • Crack Seal
  • Preservative Seal
  • Copolymer Seal
  • Chip Seal
  • Slurry Seal
  • Micro Seal

Crack seal application is a rubberized material used to seal individual pavement cracks typically ¼ inch to four inches wide. Considered routine maintenance, crack sealing is often the first step for other treatment types. Crack seal treatment involves cleaning out existing cracks and sealing to prevent intrusion of water to the pavement base. 

Preservative seal is a spray application of a specialty formulated asphalt mixture applied to an existing asphalt pavement to extend or preserve the life of the surface. Also known as fog seal, a preservative seal slows the asphalt’s aging process and helps to renew the surface, seal small cracks and protect the road from UV rays.

Copolymer Seal is a sprayed adhesive used to bond aggregate (rocks) and to provide dust mitigation.

Chip seal application is a combination of small aggregate (rocks) and asphalt binder being rolled out to create a level surface texture. The treatment is used to address pavement that is aging and has cracked surfaces.

Slurry seal application is a mixture of asphalt binder, water and sand spread in a thin layer onto the existing pavement. Using this application helps to repair slight to moderate pavement damage.

Micro seal application is similar to a slurry seal but contains larger aggregate (small, crushed rock) particles and quick-setting asphalt binders. A micro seal treatment is placed in a thick layer and helps to repair moderate to severe pavement damage and restore ride quality.

General Information

How long do I have to wait before I can drive on my roadway?
Generally, residents can drive on the roadway when crews have cleared the work zone and removed any roadway barricades. Typical drying times are as follows:

  • Crack Seal: 30 minutes to one hour
  • Preservative Seal: Two to four hours
  • Copolymer Seal: Two to three hours
  • Chip Seal: As soon as crews have cleared the work zone
  • Slurry: Three to four hours
  • Micro Seal: Three to four hours

What can I expect in the future?
Depending on the type of treatment, the roadway may appear to be rough in texture or loose rock and sand may be left behind. This is normal. Roadways will settle over time to provide a smooth ride. Crews will return to clean the area of any debris left behind and to do a final inspection to ensure the material has properly settled.

What if I have an appointment?
Crews will not block residential access and will make every accommodation possible to ensure residents are allowed access to their driveways and make scheduled appointments. At times, residents may be asked to park on adjacent streets if vehicle access is needed. In this case, crews will notify residents 24-48 hours ahead of the work. Crews typically work Monday through Friday. Unless specified, crews will not work on weekends.

Will the entire roadway be blocked?
Crews typically work on one half of the roadway at a time, allowing for vehicle travel. Residents are asked to drive carefully while in a work zone and obey any posted traffic signs.

Questions?

Contact our MCDOT Project Line at 602-506-3342 or mcdotprojects@maricopa.gov.

For additional information and questions/answers, please view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

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