For the City Times/Gazette

PORTAGE COUNTY – Beginning the week of July 13, the Portage County Highway Department will begin its annual chip sealing program on approximately 47 miles of county trunk highways.

“Chip sealing is part of the Highway Department’s annual road maintenance and preservation program which helps prevent the rapid deterioration of asphalt due to oxidation and traffic wear.  It is an economical way to extend the life of the pavement by sealing it and improving surface texture for skid resistance,” Portage County Highway Commissioner Nathan Check said in a release.

“The chip seal process involves spraying a single layer of liquid asphalt emulsion on the pavement which is then immediately covered with a small aggregate.  The aggregate is rolled into the liquid asphalt and allows traffic to resume travel on the road at a reduced speed.  Following a cure time, excess aggregate is swept off the road. “

The first phase of the project will begin in mid-July. Work is scheduled on the following portions of highway: CTH HH, Locust Street to Olympia Street; CTH J, STH 66 to USH 10; CTH A, STH 66 to CTH I; CTH I, Hillside Road to Collins Lake Road; CTH Z, CTH A to Waupaca County Line; CTH ZZ, STH 161 to CTH Z; CTH SS, STH 161 to CTH Q; CTH QQ, USH 10 to Rolling Hills Road; CTH A, STH 54 to CTH KK; CTH N, CTH BB to CTH A; CTH GG, CTH EE to CTH A; CTH J, STH 54 to Church Road.

A complete list and map of the county trunk highways to be chip sealed can be at https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/highway-department/construction-updates.