Public Works reports completion of county chip sealing, striping and paving work continuing

McPherson County Public Works staff told commissioners Aug. 18 that the county completed about 25 miles of chip sealing this season using a smaller aggregate designed to be quieter, use less oil and reduce vehicle damage. The department said early impressions of the smaller chip are favorable and that it appears easier to paint during striping operations.
Staff reported that painting and striping have begun and will prioritize newly chip‑sealed and overlaid roads as well as areas with worn markings. Work on 27th Avenue includes widening, overlay and shoulder work this week. The Old 81 North detour north of town reopened Friday at noon, and staff cautioned that some settling is expected in the right of way where compaction was limited during reconstruction.
Public Works reminded commissioners of upcoming calendar items: KDOT local consult meetings Oct. 23 in Salina (an opportunity to request projects and provide input on state routes), KDOT corridor meetings in November and open houses in December. Staff also noted training and conferences (paving training in October, paving conference Dec. 5 in Lawrence and the KAC meeting in Wichita in December).
The department recommended continued monitoring of the new chip material for longevity and said complaints about larger chip sizes in previous years (noise, rough surface and broken windshields) motivated the change this year.