The Town of Apple Valley will continue its road resurfacing project this week with crews working on Apple Valley Road between Yucca Loma and Bear Valley roads, followed by additional work on Jess Ranch Parkway, Pimlico and Reata roads next week. Motorists can expect lane closures, turning restrictions and temporary delays while the contractors are working.

The work is being done as part of the 2016-17 pavement management project paid for with nearly $2.3 million in Measure I roadwork funds and additional grants.

“Resurfacing a road is a fraction of the cost of repaving. We can preserve many more miles of road with the funding we receive by taking these preventative measures before a road deteriorates beyond repair,” said Town Engineer Brad Miller. “We have tackled several of our major arterial roads in the last few weeks, and have identified several neighborhoods that will soon receive similar treatment.”

Microsurfacing projects are quite different from freshly rolled asphalt. Instead of entirely removing and replacing a road surface, these microsurfacing projects lay material over the existing roadway that seeps into and bonds with the asphalt, sealing up cracks, and providing a fresh surface to drive on. These processes are designed to extend the life of the asphalt pavement, not necessarily make them smoother.

“It isn’t as smooth as a new road, but it provides traction and can add anywhere from 7 to 10 years of use for that roadway,” said Miller.  “We understand the inconvenience the roadwork can cause for our residents and visitors. Our contractors try to minimize that with clear traffic controls and detour signs, when necessary.”

Additionally, while replacing asphalt can take weeks to finish, the microsurface and chip seal processes take only hours, reducing the amount of time that driving patterns are interrupted. The new surfaces can be driven on within hours of completion. However, crews must wait from one to four weeks before re-striping the road to ensure a proper chemical bond between the asphalt and the striping material. Drivers are asked to use caution while temporary tabs are in place to mark lanes and road boundaries until the permanent striping is completed.

For additional information, contact the Engineering Department at (760) 240-7000 x7013 or visit www.AppleValley.org and click on the “Let Us Know” link at the top of any page.