Crack sealing efforts will fill some highway holes around the local area this spring and summer. According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the pavement patching extends the life of highways. It fills in potholes for a smoother ride and keeps water out of the asphalt. It is water that does the most damage to roadways if it gets under the skin of the roadway.
"Where there is a crack in the pavement, a special tool is used to router it out and blow out loose material," said Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount where some of this spring's local work will be done. "Then hot liquid asphalt filler is placed into the crack and over the surface adjacent to the crack. When it cools it seals against the pavement next to the crack and keeps water from going into the road. Less water means less frost heaves in the winter and less chance for a pothole to form in the wheel path. It is a cost effective way to extend the life of the pavement on the highway."
The contracts are now open for bid, and in some cases already tendered. These areas around Prince George will see the most sealing activity:
- Highway 16 West: Bednesti to Chilako Bridge
- Highway 16 East: Yellowhead Bridge to east of Bowron Bridge and Laing Road to Red Pass Summit
- Highway 5: Albreda to South Boundary at Wire Cache
- Highway 39: Junction with Highway 97 North to Mackenzie
- Highway 97: North Kelly to Mackenzie Junction
"These are high-traffic areas in our region and ensuring they are maintained is important," said Pat Bell, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie. "The heavy traffic and extreme weather takes its toll on these roads and this crack sealing will make sure these roads remain safe."
John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes, said "Any project that will improve road safety is one worth investing in. This work will extend the life of the roadways, and the smoother surface will help drivers get to work and home to their families more safely."
Since 2001, according to the ministry, the province has invested $650 million in transportation and community infrastructure in the North Central region.
