Several local roads are getting face lifts this month. The roads include Portola State Park Road, upper Alpine Road (above Portola State Park Road), and a section of Page Mill Road that is in San Mateo County in the Skyline area, as well as Stage Road and Pomponio Creek Road on the coast. These roads are being chip sealed in preparation for winter. Chip sealing is the application of aggregate (gravel) over "Rejuvenating Polymer Modified Asphaltic Emulsion" (road oil).
Chip sealing is quicker and less expensive than other forms of sealing or repaving. The chip sealed area can be driven on almost immediately. But it leaves a rougher (and noisier) surface until the road is swept and the gravel is seated in. Cyclists need to be extra cautious on the new surface and automobiles should be driven more slowly because of the danger of flying gravel. Remember, until the roads are re-striped there will be no center line.
Local residents had plenty of warning including signs on the roads warning of the upcoming project with its possible delays, bilingual hang tags on rural residents' mailboxes, and postcards mailed to property owners alerting them to the project and asking them to warn tenants.
So watch for work in progress and once the chip sealing is completed drive with extra caution.
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