The City of Williams Lake began velocity patching on several streets throughout the city last week.
The City says velocity patching is used on City streets where there are cracks greater than five millimetres.
Cracks are blown out with compressed air to remove dirt and debris and then a cold spray patch emulsion is mixed with a quarter-inch fractured aggregate that is blown into the cracks producing a solid binder. A layer of fractured aggregate is then put down over the crack which stays on the road surface.
“Velocity patching prevents water from entering into cracks in the asphalt, causing premature failure of the road surface,” says Kevin Goldfuss, director of municipal services. “This is one of the three methods the City uses to maintain our road surfaces and keep them safe and strong.”
To address issues in previous years, the City will be using a compactor to pack the aggregate, and excess aggregate is swept 48 hours later. The City has been utilizing velocity patching for the last nine years.
The City asks for the public’s patience during the crack sealing process and that traffic proceeds slowly as loose rock poses a hazard to vehicles and pedestrians.