Road preservation work moves forward with asphalt material purchase

Keeping roads in good condition takes more than repairs. It requires ongoing preservation to extend the life of the surface. Mesa County is continuing that work across its road network.

On April 14, the Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of liquid asphalt materials from Suncor Energy, up to $340,000.

These materials are used for the county’s chip seal program, a preventive treatment that seals cracks, protects the surface and slows deterioration. This approach helps extend the life of roads and reduce the need for more costly repairs later.

The county uses in-house crews to complete this work, allowing for flexibility and efficient use of resources.

Water is one of the biggest causes of road damage. When it seeps into cracks, it weakens the surface and leads to potholes and larger failures. Preventive treatments like chip sealing help keep water out and preserve the roadway.

The county is using state contract pricing for these materials, taking advantage of a cooperative agreement to secure competitive rates. This year’s pricing also reflects a slight decrease for some materials, helping stretch available funding further.

Chip seal work will take place throughout the construction season on select county roads. Residents may see crews working in phases, with short-term impacts that support longer-lasting roads.