Slurry Seal Program FY 2024-25

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

The Slurry Seal Program is the final step in the City’s annual Pavement Management Plan that is intended to extend the life of the City’s residential streets and ensure a smoother driving experience. Slurry sealing is a cost-effective maintenance treatment which provides a protective layer to the existing asphalt pavement. This protective layer fills and seals cracks, protects the roadway from sun and water damage, and restores flexibility and traction to the pavement surface. All residential streets in Newport Beach are scheduled for slurry sealing every 7 years. Parking lots within the annual project limits will also be seal coated as part of this program. The City follows this cycle to ensure that wear and tear does not become too severe, causing further road deterioration, expensive repairs, and longer road closures.

The slurry material typically cures within a few hours after placement in warm weather. Initially brown, the mixture turns black as the water evaporates. Its soft, pudding-like consistency allows for easy application but necessitates a temporary road closure to all traffic until it sets. Streets will reopen to traffic at the end of each working day. Driving or walking on wet slurry seal prior to proper curing may result in damages to vehicle tires and private property. The street may also require additional closures to re-slurry seal the affected areas.

Once cured, slurry seal takes on a rough, gritty texture and remains somewhat soft for several weeks. During this "tender" period, it fills cracks in the underlying pavement as vehicles drive over it. Minor scuffing, tire marks, and shedding of tiny rock materials are typical on slurry sealed pavement surfaces. With time and normal roadway traffic, shedding will decrease and the roadway surface will gradually harden and smooth. Additional weekly sweepings for the first two weeks after slurry application will remove any excess material. The City kindly asks that residents refrain from watering lawns, washing cars, etc. on the day of slurry seal application to allow for proper curing. For a few days after slurry seal application, please drive at reduced speeds and avoid sharp turning movements, especially when the vehicle is idle, to allow the newly sealed surface to “set”.

In the event your street is under construction on a trash pick-up day, please have your trash out by 6:30 AM for early pickup.

This year’s Slurry Seal Program is located in the Harbor View, Newport Hills, Seawind, and Spyglass Hill communities. Links to weekly work schedules can be found at the bottom of this page. Schedules are subject to change. Please visit this project webpage regularly for the latest information.