|
(Port Orchard, WA) - Each year between May and September, Kitsap County Public Works conducts chip sealing operations on selected county roads as part of our pavement preservation program. This process extends the life of existing asphalt surfaces and improves traction for drivers.
What to Expect:
- Chip sealing involves spraying a layer of liquid asphalt followed by the application of gravel chips
- Traffic is allowed to drive on the surface after chip application, but loose gravel may remain for several days
- Roads are swept multiple times following treatment to remove excess rock
- Expect loose gravel, reduced traction, and slower speeds through work zones
Vehicle Damage Policy:
Kitsap County does not accept liability or offer reimbursement for damage caused by driving through active chip sealing zones. This includes:
- Gravel chips causing windshield, paint, or undercarriage damage
- Tar or oil adhering to tires or vehicle surfaces
- Dust or debris transferred to driveways, garages, or other vehicles
How to Avoid Damage:
- Drive slowly (under 25 mph) through freshly sealed areas
- Maintain a safe following distance to avoid flying gravel
- Avoid quick stops, rapid acceleration, and sharp turns on loose rock
- Heed warning signs and pilot vehicles
- Do not drive through work zones unless directed by traffic control personnel
Please Drive Carefully:
Chip sealing is fast-moving work with crews and equipment spread out across the roadway, and loose rock can create serious hazards if drivers speed or ignore traffic control. Please slow down, follow all signs and flagger directions, and be extra patient in chip seal zones. Our road crews work hard to maintain and preserve the roads, and they deserve to get home safely to their families.
Vehicle Damage Claims:
If you believe your vehicle was damaged due to County negligence (not normal chip sealing conditions), you can start the claims process by contacting Kitsap1:
Phone: (360) 337-5777
Email: help@kitsap1.com
Please note: Filing a claim does not guarantee reimbursement.
View the 2025 paving and chip seal map here. To learn more about the chip sealing program, visit: kcowa.us/roadmaint
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to protect and preserve Kitsap County’s roads.
Title VI
Kitsap County Department of Public Works Roads Division assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and as amended, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.I. 100.259) be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Washington State Department of Transportation. For more information visit our Title VI page.
Contact Information
Kitsap County Public Works, Roads Division, 360.337.5777 or help@kitsap1.com
Kimberly Pleger, Public Works Communications Manager, 360.337.5777, 360.277.6032 or kpleger@kitsap.gov
Resources
Click the links below for more information about County resources.
All news releases | County Home Page | Inclement Weather | The Road Report
|
