Crack sealing extends pavement life

Example of a crack on K-23 in Gray County that must be sealed to preserve the highway surface

With the arrival of  cooler weather, crack seal projects are underway in south west Kansas.

Pavement Pros, LLC of McPherson begin by routing the crack so that it can be cleaned and sealed.

According to Asphalt magazine, spring, fall and winter are considered the best time for crack sealing projects because the cracks are in “average position” (not completely open or closed) during cooler weather. 

KDOT Engineering Technician, Larry Roberts measures the cracks to be sealed.

Crack sealing is a cost-effective way to maintain roads that are in fair-to-good condition because it prevents water and extraneous materials from entering the crack and causing damage to the underlying pavement structure. 

A Pavement Pros, LLC crew member blows the loose debris and material out of the crack preparing it to be sealed.

In order to get the best results, the crack must be prepared by routing or sawing the crack and then cleaned using high-pressure air to remove loose material. 

A Pavement Pros, LLC crew member applies sealant to the crack.

After the crack is prepared, the sealer can be placed using a hot wand and hose connected to the rubber pot. The material used as the sealer is determined by the type and size of the crack and the environment. 

An added benefit of crack sealing is that the sealant requires a fairly short curing time allowing traffic to return to the treated area almost immediately after the treatment.

#IAMKDOT: Tim Nichols

Challenges and problem solving often come with the job. For Tim Nichols, KDOT Engineering Technician Specialist from Syracuse, the challenges and problem solving that come with KDOT’s larger projects are the best part of his job. 

After attending Dodge City Community College, Nichols returned to his hometown of Syracuse and spent time working in auto body repair and at the local grocery store. He then began with KDOT as an Engineering Technician Associate. Nichols is responsible for inspecting highway projects, authorizing contractor payments and overseeing contractors and construction projects so the work meets KDOT specifications. He says the best part of his job is the challenges that come up on larger projects and the problem solving that goes into finding a solution. Nichols has been named District Inspector of the Year once and Area Inspector of the Year three times during his 20 years with KDOT.

Nichols is always busy. You might find him out inspecting bridges or highways during the day, and you may also find him checking a stoplight at midnight on a holiday to make sure it works properly. He also assists with flagging traffic in the in the dead of night during power outages or meets a crew at the concrete plant at 3:30 a.m. to prepare for a concrete pour.  

And while Nichols truly enjoys his work, what he enjoys the most is using his talents to help others. Nichols serves his church as the Legacy Youth Ministry Director and as a trustee on the local Board of Administration of the Syracuse Wesleyan Church. He also volunteers as the sound technician for Syracuse High School basketball games, plays, concerts and special events, is a founding member of the Syracuse Sand Park board, is a builder, auto mechanic, sound technician and volunteer dad, uncle and grandpa. He enjoys playing the bass and guitar, working on cars and woodworking.