Road repair work on Robson Rd. to commence July 31

The City of Hamilton has a contract with Cornell Construction to perform preventative maintenance on Robson Road, between Parkside and Concession 5E. Construction is scheduled to commence on or about July 31, and will be substantially completed by September 18, weather permitting.

The work involves minor road repairs followed by Single Surface Treatment application (Tar and Chip). During this time, residents and motorists may experience some inconveniences such as noise, dust, and restricted traffic movement. Every effort will be made to do the work in a timely manner and to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.

The City of Hamilton has many Surface Treated Roads, also referred to as “tar and chip” roads. These roads get re-surfaced approximately every five to ten years. Early in the rehabilitation process these roads appear to be gravel roads but they are Surface Treated and will gradually have the same characteristics of asphalt roads often seen in high-traffic areas.

This Surface Treatment Program contributes to reduced maintenance costs, dust mitigation and extended road lifecycle expectancy.  For the duration of the project, the City of Hamilton on-site Inspector will be made available to residents of Robson Road to explain the sequence of work and answer any construction-related questions.

To make contact, please call Cornell Construction at (519) 753-3125, or the City of Hamilton at (905) 546-2489.

What is Tar and Chip Surface Treatment?
Tar and chip roads look and drive similar to asphalt roads but have some differences. Asphalt road surfaces are mixed in a central plant and shipped to the road site hot and mixed for paving. “Tar and Chip” pavement involves evenly applying hot asphalt emulsion tar onto a roadway, followed by an even layer of aggregate stones which are rolled into place. The stones are further compacted and pushed into the asphalt tar over time by the traffic on the roadway. As a result, for a period of weeks or months following the application of tar and chip to a roadway, there is some loose crushed stone on top of the road surface. Depending on the heat of the summer and traffic on the road, the curing time of the road will vary but will eventually resemble and drive like asphalt roads.

What can you expect?
Maintenance on a tar and chip road may occur every 5-10 years. This will involve re-applying one layer of tar and chip (single surface treatment). Roads which are being newly rebuilt will receive two successive layers of tar and chip (double surface treatment). City road maintenance staff may sweep the road several weeks following the initial application of tar and chip in order to reduce the loose stone.

Residents are requested to reduce vehicle’s speeds, particularly with quick acceleration and turning movements. These measures will help to maximize quality of the road and minimize surface disturbances caused by stones and reduce dust creating a clean even road.