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ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Ector County starts chip sealing roads this month, to prevent moisture from getting under the pavement and causing cracks and pot holes.

To seal the road, holes are patched and then tar is laid down. Right after that, chips are put down to be rolled into the emulation. According to County Public Works, it takes anywhere from a few weeks to a month for the emulation to dry properly, so the rocks are held in place.

The road will get a fog seal at the end of September or in the first few weeks of October and new stripes will be painted on the road.

Out of 550 miles of county roads, about 80-90 miles of roads get sealed each year.

Jeffrey Avery, Ector County Public Works Director, sent a letter about the chip sealing processes.

I need your help. It is hot on those machines, sometimes the crews are working in over 100 degree weather and 200 degree plus tar. Because of this heat stroke is a real possibility. We give the guys frequent cool down breaks to rehydrate, please understand this when you see them taking a break. Also please be aware of them working while you are driving and slow down so we can keep them safe. Last please try not to spinout on the roads we have just done as this will undo what we are trying to accomplish.
Jeffrey Avery, Ector County Public Works Director