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PennDOT: “If It Ain’t Broke… Preserve It”

WEST ABINGTON TOWNSHIP — PennDOT crews out this week in Lackawanna County are doing something that may make a mess of your car, but could save state taxpa...
oilchips

WEST ABINGTON TOWNSHIP -- PennDOT crews out this week in Lackawanna County are doing something that may make a mess of your car, but could save state taxpayers money on paving in the long run.

When Mary Lou Chibirka sees the sign that says "fresh oil and chips" on her road near Dalton, she knows her walk with her dog Jack will be a little sticky.

"I think he almost felt like he got some tar on him, he kept licking his paws. So, I had to carry him," Chibirka said.

Call it the price of preservation.

PennDOT crews were laying down fresh oil and chips on Wilbur Hill Road in West Abington Township. They're doing it on 30 miles of state road in Lackawanna County this year which is more than usual.

PennDOT says the oil and chip seals the road and prevents cracks in the winter. It will preserve a road that's already in good shape and push off paving for a few seasons.

But, there are some immediate consequences.

"The tar, it seems wet and the chips, I'm worried it's going to get on my car. And it's also very noisy. It's a little bit dirty going over it at first. So, I mean, they're small, they're small concerns, I just take my time and be very careful," Chibirka added.

The crews are coming through and putting down two layers of oil and chips, or gravel. Then they bring in a sweeper to sweep up any loose rocks that they can.

But, the neighbors near Dalton say it still kicks up a lot of dust until the oil is dry.

Karen Fuller has been using another route to keep her car clean this week, a price she's willing to pay if it keeps her road from looking like rougher ones in Lackawanna County. PennDOT says that's the whole point.

"I'm not opposed to this if it's been shown that it works and it will extend the life of the road," Fuller said.

PennDOT told Newswatch 16 crews will be adding oil and chips to more miles of road all over northeastern Pennsylvania.

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