The journey of road sealing
Did you know sealing a road happens in stages?
Before a road can be resealed, a range of preparation tasks are done to make sure the new surface lasts. This includes repairing cracks and potholes, smoothing uneven areas, and cleaning the road so the new seal bonds properly. This first step is called pre-seal repairs.
Pre-sealing work is best done well in advance of the actual resealing, can take several weeks, depending on weather conditions, and may cause temporary traffic changes or parking restrictions.
During this pre-seal period additional works may be done for efficiency and to try and avoid future roadwork disruptions and having to ‘dig up’ the new seal.
Pre-sealing
It all starts with an inspection. Engineers assess the road to identify damage such as cracks, potholes, rutting (those wavy tracks that form along wheel paths), or drainage issues.
They then decide what type of reseal (chip seal, asphalt overlay, etc) is needed and schedule the work based on weather and traffic patterns. Traffic volumes also play a role in determining the best timing and method.
Next, crews repair surface damage – which may include tasks like isolated road pavement (patch) repairs, smoothing and fixing any uneven or deformed areas. If the road edges have broken down, they’re stabilised or rebuilt. Drains and channels are cleared or adjusted to prevent water damage later.
When it’s time to seal
Immediately prior to resealing additional preparation works are done to get the road ready. This might include sweeping loose material, pre-leveling and any other minor repairs that are needed. Drains are blocked off, and obstructions for machinery access are removed.
How does this affect traffic and parking?
Roadworks can be disruptive, but our traffic management teams are here to help keep everyone safe. Speed limits are reduced through work areas, and traffic may be managed with road cones, stop/go systems or temporary lane changes. Parking restrictions are put in place to keep areas clear for machinery and ensure safety for both crews and road users.
Ever wondered why we sometimes start work and then return days or even weeks later?
Resealing requires warm, dry weather for the bitumen spray to stick properly to the ground and stones. We have to wait until conditions are just right and this can lead to postponements. If earlier jobs have been postponed this can cause a ripple effect to the program, even if there hasn’t been rain for a while.
Ready for the next step
Every great finish starts with good preparation. In short, pre-sealing is how we make sure the road base is clean, strong, and ready so when the final reseal is applied, it provides a durable surface that requires minimum maintenance for many years to come.