Summer sealing project repairs 200 Seattle streets

This past winter was hard on Seattle’s streets, causing thousands of potholes throughout the city.

Instead of repaving them with asphalt, Seattle Department of Transportation crews are using a different technique: slurry seal. This method is more affordable and faster.

The slurry seal method is much faster to put down than traditional asphalt: recently, crews repaired over 200 Seattle streets in two weeks, according to SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson.

A map of all the potholes filled in the past 90 days. Larger dots mean more than 10 potholes were filled on a single block. (Photo courtesy of SDOT)

“Slurry seal is a type of pavement treatment that we do. It’s one of the ways we proactively work to keep our roads in good condition,” said Bergerson. “It’s a thin layer of sealant that we put on roads to keep out moisture and keep the roads in good repair.”

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He says that using the slurry seal method saves the city money over the long term and keeps the roads in better condition. Slurry seals can last anywhere between five to 10 years.

Bergerson also said repaving potholes using asphalt is time-consuming and expensive.

If you live in a neighborhood that needs repair, reach out to SDOT and notify them through the Find It, Fix It App, by submitting an online report, emailing 684-ROAD@seattle.gov , or calling (206) 684-ROAD [7623].

The goal is to complete as many pothole repairs before the summer is over. The fact that Seattle hasn’t seen much rain in the last few months has been good news for crews. Over 19,000 potholes have been repaired so far this year.

Greenwood and Rainer Beach neighborhoods are next on the list for repairs.

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