The first step in resealing a road often involves heavy maintenance, which can include excavation and repair to the pavement or a pre-levelling seal of asphalt. This layer of asphalt is used to help level out the road, and makes sure the final chip seal has a good surface to stick to. Pre-levelling seals are often done up two years before the final seal is completed.

During the actual resurfacing there will be trucks, rollers and workers using other equipment. Expect some noise, particularly if we have to remove (mill) the top surface before the new seal goes on.

A reminder goes to all houses at least 48 hours before work happens and the same notice is left under the windscreen wipers of vehicles parked in the street. This is to encourage people to park clear of the work area during work hours.

If you leave your car in the road it could mean the work can’t be completed as planned, delaying the work and causing more inconvenience to you and your neighbours.

Thankfully almost all Nelsonians help us by keeping their street clear when resurfacing work is underway.

The workers will be doing everything possible to make sure this work is completed safely but you can help by:

• standing well back from the action and following any directions from the workers.
• warning your children of the dangers and making sure they take care.
• keeping pets away from the area while the work is in progress.

Newly sealed surfaces can be a bit messy. To make sure you don’t trek dirt, bitumen (black tar) or sticky stones into your house, please try to avoid walking on newly sealed surfaces. If you can’t avoid it, make sure you check your shoes or take them off before you go inside. You may also want to check them before you get into your car. If you park your car in a garage, be aware that you may bring in tar and stones on your tyres.

It’s important to take special care when there’s been recent work in your street, but bear in mind – the bitumen on footpaths and roads can also get sticky in hot weather.

Chip seal, bitumen, and other road materials require time to fully settle after they are put in place so please treat all new surfaces with extra care.

• It may sound noisier at first but this will reduce over time.
• Drivers, please avoid excessive speed, sharp turns, heavy braking, wheel spinning and static use of power steering.
• The seal will be regularly checked as it beds in so you may see workers on site again.

Nelson City Council thanks you in advance for your patience and co-operation as we carry out resurfacing work in your area.

Fully sealing a road is a two-step process. Pre-sealing makes sure the road is level by covering low spots, depressions and holes with asphalt. This takes place at least six months before full resealing to give the asphalt the chance to weather and oxidise. If this step doesn’t happen the chip seal does not stick to the asphalt, which can result in the seal not working properly.

By allowing the asphalt time to oxidise we can stop chip and bitumen from sticking to tires and ending up on private property.