Why do you spread all that tar and gravel on the paved roads? There was nothing wrong with the road and now it is a mess?

The process you are referring to is seal coating (chip seal) which most road agencies in Michigan use as a relatively low cost method of preserving existing pavements. The tar is actually an emulsion of water and liquid asphalt, which penetrates and seals small cracks in the existing pavement. Sealing these cracks on a regular basis prevents water from seeping into and softening the base of the road and over time causing potholes to form. 

The slag stone that we use for cover material sticks to the emulsion and, after rolling and sweeping, provides a slightly roughened, skid-resistant surface to improve safety. Although seal coating can preserve and extend the life of the pavement, it is only a surface treatment and does not fill any existing bumps, holes, or irregularities and thus does not improve the ride quality. For this reason, it is important to apply seal coat to a road before this deterioration occurs which leads us to seal coat roads that are in generally good condition rather than waiting for them to deteriorate to the point that extensive patching is necessary.

Show All Answers

1. How do I submit a service request?
2. Where does the Road Commission get its operating funds?
3. Does increased driving mean more gas tax revenue?
4. What causes potholes?
5. My vehicle was damaged due to the condition of a road - is the Road Commission going to pay for it?
6. How can I get my road paved?
7. Can I fill in the ditch and plant trees in front of my property?
8. Why do you spread all that tar and gravel on the paved roads? There was nothing wrong with the road and now it is a mess?
9. How can I get my gravel road graded?
10. How can I get chloride applied to my gravel road?
11. Why is my road always the last one plowed after a snowstorm?
12. Why do the snow plows push the snow back into my driveway after I shovel?
13. What should be kept in mind when shoveling/plowing driveways?
14. A road commission snow plow knocked down my mailbox, what now?
15. What are weight restrictions?
16. Is the Muskegon County Road Commission responsible for state highways?
17. The street light is out by my house, who do I call?