ASPHALT SURFACE MAINTENANCE

The Why of Asphalt Road Maintenance

Asphalt surfaces make up the majority of the VBCRC's road network. Maintenance of these roads provides a better roadway for travel, but with a higher cost compared to gravel roads. The VBCRC utilizes in-house preventative maintenance applications (such as sealcoat and fog seal) for the cost-effective maintenance of  Van Buren County roads compared to repaving or reconstruction. 

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Surface Maintenance Funding

Township Local Road projects are typically planned and paid for with Township dollars and/or county-wide millage funds. ​Road Commission Primary Road projects are typically planned and paid for with Road Commission, Township, and/or county-wide millage funds.

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Pothole Patching

VBCRC routinely patches potholes throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. The Road Commission utilizes various materials as outlined below:

• Cold Patch: the most expensive option with the smallest retention rate at 30%. This is only used in emergency situations when asphalt plants are closed for the winter. 

• Hotmix Patch: Hotmix is the most commonly used material in patching potholes. With a 75% retention rate, it is an effective method and material for times of year the asphalt plants are open and weather conditions permit.

• Total Patcher: New to VBCRC in 2022, Total Patchers are an all-in-one piece of equipment that can be used year-round. Total Patchers clear the pothole of loose debris then forcefully spray a tact coat and aggregate to compact them into the pothole. With a retention rate in the 90th percentile, the Total Patcher is currently the best tool in use for patching by VBCRC.