NZ Transport explores approaches to construct a chip seal and open to unrestricted traffic
Research report 400 Minimising traffic delays during resealing
Published: Apr 2010
This research demonstrated that:
• racked-in seals can handle the stress of high-volume traffic
• racked-in seals can be constructed in an eight-hour working period including any sweeping and road marking
• closely controlled chip application rates result in minimal loose chip on surface
• minimal loose chip results in minimal chip being flicked by vehicle tyres
• speed restrictions can be lifted to 50–70km/h at the completion of the line marking
• unrestricted traffic can be placed on the seal the morning after resealing.
The requirement for a newly sealed chip seal road to be opened to traffic speeds of at least 70km/h for peak evening traffic could be included in the construction specifications. This would assist in minimising motorists’ frustration at the traffic delays caused by road sealing.