Pavement Management
The City of Norfolk's Public Works, Operations Division is responsible for keeping over 2,186 lane-miles of street pavement in good repair. We prioritize paving based on street pavement condition, traffic volume, geographic equity, cost, and opportunities for grants or coordination with other projects in the area.
The City uses two different methods to repair streets:
Resurfacing
Asphalt surfaces have a typical service life of 8 to 12 years, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Asphalt resurfacing is necessary when the asphalt surface has reached the end of its service life or if other methods of restoration cannot repair the roadway. A new asphalt surface will improve driving conditions as well as the aesthetics of the roadway. Asphalt resurfacing is a multi-step process that usually involves several work crews, accompanied by construction signs and work-zone traffic control measures to maintain public safety.
Resurfacing an asphalt roadway requires the following steps:
- Removal (milling) of 2" of the old surface using a milling machine.
Curbs, gutters and roadway contours can be affected by this method. - Application of two inches of new asphalt by paving machines.
- Surface is compacted and smoothed using a roller truck.
Time: Several days or weeks (depending on project scope)
Approximate Cost: $120,000 per lane-mile
Microsurfacing
Microsurfacing is a protective seal coat which extends the life of pavement (approximately 5-10 years.) It is a thin, tough layer of asphalt emulsion blended with finely crushed stone for traction that hardens within 3 hours. This is a cost-effective method to renew the road surface and seal minor cracks and other irregularities thus protecting the pavement.
Time: 1-2 days (depending on project scope)
Approximate Cost: $30,000 per lane-mile
View the City's current Pavement Management Plans below: