Detours last for a shorter amount of time when micro-surfacing is used, a city engineer says. File Photo/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

WHAT TO KNOW

Here’s what to know about Medicine Hat’s new micro-surfacing pilot project

Aug 21, 2024 | 4:45 PM

The City of Medicine Hat is launching a pilot project this week with a new technology that aims to fix roads quickly and save taxpayers money.

Micro-surfacing is coming to the Northeast Crescent Heights neighbourhood in Medicine Hat’s north end over the course of three days.

Here’s what to know:

1. Pavement preservation

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Micro-surfacing is designed to seal, protect and prolong the life of existing asphalt, the city said in a news release.

It has proven to be an effective road rehabilitation process for crack repair, rut filling or surfacing the entire roadway.

It’s also a key component of the city’s transportation infrastructure renewal strategy.

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2. The city’s watching

Municipal engineer Carly Collier, who works in Medicine Hat’s municipal works department, says if the pilot is a success the initiative will be used elsewhere.

“We’ll keep an eye on that over the coming years, do a complete review on an annual basis, and look to get the five to eight years life that we’re expecting out of it,” Collier told CHAT News.

“If we see that is successful over the next few years, it’ll likely become more relevant or utilized within our city as an option.”

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3. It’s saving time and money

Road maintainance can often take days, weeks and even a month.

Micro-surfacing is faster, Collier explained.

“This application will see a detour set up, the surfacing completed and secured, and the roadway opened up typically within the same day,” she said.

It also saves taxpayer money.

“We do see it as a cost-effective solution for maintenance within the city,” Collier said.

“We do see on a, you know, a square meter kind of annual basis based on its service life, it is coming in less than the mill and overlay or a full rehab would require.”