City crews will begin preparations Monday for a project to apply chip seal to downtown streets beginning Aug. 13, according to a news release from the City of Casper.

Chip sealing adds life to worn streets while increasing traction for vehicles.

Crews apply liquefied asphalt oil to existing asphalt and then apply crushed rock. The rock is then spread and rolled into the pavement. Crews then will sweep excess rock.

While it's good for the pavement and the traction, the project can be tough on traffic.

Motorists can expect delays because the project will restrict traffic by closing half a street and only allow one lane of vehicles in each direction.

Chip sealing will take place on the following streets:

  • Center Street from First to 13th streets.
  • Wolcott Street from C to 13th streets.
  • Durbin Street from C to 15th streets.
  • Beech Street from C to 15th streets, except from Second to Collins streets between the Natrona County Library and the Nicolaysen Art Musuem.
  • The Nicolaysen Art Museum and the Water Treatment Plant parking lots will also be chip sealed as part of the project.

Not all the streets will be restricted at the same time. Instead, streets will be restricted in pairs. For example, Center and Wolcott streets will be restricted at the same time.

There will be no on-street parking during the work on each street. Electronic message boards will placed to notify the public of upcoming work.

The project is expected to be completed by Aug. 22.

The $525,205 project was awarded to 71 Construction, Inc. The project is being funded by $489,218 in fiscal year 2015 Pavement Management Program funds, $10,388 in Optional One-Cent Sales Tax funds, and $25,599 in Agency Capital Replacement funds.

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