Chip Sealing & Crack Sealing
May 4, 2026 Update
New maps are available for the 2026 Crack Sealing and Chip Sealing Projects.
Project phase and anticipated schedule have been updated.
Program contact information has been updated.
View past project updates »Project Details
Project Information
Crack Sealing
Chip Sealing
The Chip Sealing Program is designed to improve the quality of your street and delay the need for resurfacing or total reconstruction. Chip sealing is a cost-effective preventative maintenance method used to extend the useful life of Madison's streets. It is intended for application on streets that are still in good condition, structurally sound and in need of little repair. The street is first sealed with an application of a binder in the form of an emulsion
(asphalt and water). Then an application of aggregate or chips immediately follows.
Estimated Schedule
Chip Sealing: June 15, 2026- Aug. 1, 2026
Crack Sealing: June 15, 2026-Oct. 15, 2026
Chip Sealing Criteria
The City of Madison Engineering Division rates streets every two years. Streets with a pavement rating of 6 or greater on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being a new street) are ideal for chip sealing. They may have been recently constructed, resurfaced or reconstructed, crack sealed or patched. The goal of chip sealing is to help a street achieve a 30-year surface life, or longer, before a resurfacing project or full reconstruction project becomes necessary.
Chip Sealing Benefits
Chip sealing is a more sustainable, lower emission form of pavement maintenance. Fewer raw materials are required and less energy is consumed than traditional asphalt maintenance projects.
Chip sealing waterproofs the pavement, seals cracks and slows oxidation of asphalt, which extends the life of the street.
The aggregate chips provide a new wearing surface, which protects the underlying pavement. The new surface also increases surface texture and friction which helps improve vehicle stopping distances.
Chip sealing is a cost-effective method of extending pavement life. Performing early, routine chip seals keep the pavement in good condition. This ultimately saves taxpayers potentially millions of dollars over the life of the street when compared against more involved pavement maintenance measures:
- Chip seal = $3 per square yard
- Thin Overlays = $15-20 per square yard
- Resurfacing = $40-$100 per square yard
- Reconstruction = $190-$500 per square yard
Project Updates
May 4, 2026 Update
New maps are available for the 2026 Crack Sealing and Chip Sealing Projects.
Project phase and anticipated schedule have been updated.
Program contact information has been updated.
May 13, 2025 Update
New maps are available for 2025 Crack Sealing and Chip Sealing.
Project Overview
City Engineering is responsive to public concerns about loose aggregate and dust associated with chip sealing. Steps to improve overall conditions during the project include:
- Placing signs to warn of loose aggregate.
- Providing inlet protection to reduce chance of aggregate washing into the storm sewer.
- Conducting multiple street sweepings with contractor and City crews.
March 26, 2024 Update
New maps are available for 2024 Crack Sealing and Chip Sealing.
Project Overview
City Engineering is responsive to public concerns about loose aggregate and dust associated with chip sealing. Steps to improve overall conditions during the project include:
Placing signs to warn of loose aggregate
Providing inlet protection to reduce chance of aggregate washing into the storm sewer
Conducting multiple street sweepings with contractor and City crews