Missoula Chip Sealing Begins: Streets, Schedule and Tips

If you've been driving around Missoula lately, you've probably noticed one thing: construction season is in full swing.

Between the Montana Department of Transportation projects and the work the City of Missoula has going on, it seems like there's orange cones just about everywhere you turn. And now you can add another project to the list.

Upcoming Chip Sealing Project Overview

The City of Missoula's annual chip sealing program is set to begin Monday, July 20, and is expected to continue through August 6, weather permitting.

Crews will be working Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., applying chip seal to streets throughout Missoula. It's one of those projects that helps extend the life of the pavement, but it also means drivers will need to slow down and expect a few delays.

The city is asking residents to do a few things to help make the project go as smoothly as possible.

If your sprinklers hit the street, make sure they're turned off before your street is scheduled to be chip sealed. The pavement needs to be dry before crews get started.

You'll also want to move your vehicle if your street is on the schedule. The city will post "No Parking" signs the day before work begins.

Post-Project Driving Safety Tips

Once the chip sealing is done, slow down. Loose gravel can get kicked up and chip windshields or damage other vehicles. The city is also asking drivers to avoid making sharp turns on freshly treated roads.

One thing to keep in mind is that loose rock will stay on the roadway for a couple of weeks until street sweeping is finished. If you're riding a motorcycle or bicycle, use extra caution during that time on the loose gravel.

Check the Chip Seal Schedule for Your Neighborhood

There are quite a few streets on this year's chip seal schedule, including several busy roads around town. If you want to see whether your neighborhood is included, you can find the complete list on the City of Missoula's website.

With everything else happening on Missoula streets this summer, this is just one more project to keep on your radar before heading out.