The Department of Public Works has been busy this year with road improvements in town. Cracksealing is a roadway maintenance technique that consists of sealing cracks in the road with a hot asphaltic liquid compound. This may also include diverting water to the berm of the asphalt instead of allowing the water to settle in the base which can cause more erosion. Chipsealing is the application of a special protective wearing surface to an existing pavement. During chipsealing, a dump truck full of chips, or gravel, locks on to the chip spreader and is pulled backwards. A thin layer of liquid asphalt is sprayed down in front of the chip spreader.
Please note the cracksealing began today, September 20th and will continue for the next several weeks.
The following roads are scheduled to undergo crackseal and chipseal work: Losaw Road, Ledge Drive, Gaylord Road, Ledge Drive, Price Road, Bridge Street, Depot Street, Grantville Road, High Street, Hillside Avenue, Maple Street, Prospect Street, Reaching Hill Road, Rock Street, Swanson Road, Stowe Road, Sucker Brook Road, Union Street, and Crown Street.
As with any highway construction project, motorists are urged to exercise caution. Reduced speeds ensure your safety and minimize the chance of damaging your vehicle. Traffic moving at higher speeds can create dust, limit visibility, and cause an inconvenience to local residents. Increased speeds can also cause gravel to break loose from a fresh chip seal creating the risk of flying rock.
Throughout the Summer and Fall, the Town of Winchester Department of Public Works will continue to make improvements to town highways which may cause some traffic delays. Traveling at the posted construction speed limit in construction zones will ensure your safety and the safety of highway workers. Your continued patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Please feel free to contact the Department of Public Works with any questions at (860) 379-4070.