Street Patching

Frost leaving the ground in late winter and early spring bring the development of potholes to city streets.  City of La Crosse crews maintain the arterial streets on a daily basis, weather permitting, during this time period. Potholes can be reported to the Street Department by calling 789-7340. 

Crack Sealing

Crack sealing is an annual program performed by the Street Department.  Streets that have pavement from 2 to 10 years old are considered for part of the annual crack sealing  program.   The process involves widening and blowing the cracks clean and dry, then pouring liquid asphalt into them, and cover the asphalt with tissue to prevent sealant from sticking to vehicular traffic.    

Chip Sealing

The annual chip seal program is undertaken to seal minor imperfections in the surface and extend the life of the street.  All streets included in the program are first crack sealed and repaired.  All streets that have been paved with hot mix are potential streets to be included in the program.  Generally, chip sealing is done 10 to 15 years after the hot mix is first placed.

The process involves placing an application of emulsified oil followed by a covering of 3/8 inch fractured washed gravel chips.  The excess chips that don’t embed in the oil are swept up within one to two weeks.  Some streets may be chip sealed again after 7 to 10 years, if necessary.