Sonoma’s annual slurry seal project underway

Traffic flow was complicated by road work over the weekend as the City of Sonoma began its annual Slurry Seal Project. The project, which includes surface preparation, application of the slurry seal, and added safety measures in the form of street signs, a radar speed sign, and pavement markings, is scheduled to be completed June 19.

Slurry seal treatment involves application of a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, aggregate (very small crushed rock), and additives to an existing asphalt pavement surface. It is a cost-effective way to preserve pavement by protecting it from the effects of natural aging and environmental degradation caused by inclement weather, excessive heat and effects of the sun, according to city Public Works officials. The annual Slurry Seal Project is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to keep its pavement in safe and functional condition for all modes of transportation.

Preparations for the project began on June 13 and 14, and application of the slurry seal is scheduled for June 18 and 19. Four street segments are included in this year’s project: West Spain Street between Sonoma Highway and Junipero Serra; Fifth Street West between Napa and Andrieux streets; East Napa from Fourth Street East to just beyond Sixth Street East, and one block of West Spain Street between First Street West and First Street East.

In addition to the scheduled road repair, pavement markings and signage for a Class III bike route on East Napa Street between Second Street East and Eighth Street East will be added to connect that stretch of road to the existing bike route as part of the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The city partnered with the County of Sonoma to extend the route.

Streets will be closed to traffic during the slurry application, including all pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Closures are expected to last between four and six hours, depending on air temperatures and how quickly the material cures, according to city officials. Following the application of the slurry seal, new markings on the street surface will be applied. This portion of the project requires some traffic control, but the streets will remain open to traffic.

All residents and businesses directly affected by the project were notified of the temporary restrictions to on-street parking and through traffic.

The budget for the city’s 2020 Slurry Seal Project is $249,859, funded by Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funds received from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). No General Fund proceeds will be used for this project, say city officials.

For more information, see the city’s website at sonomacity.org/slurry-seal-project.