Drivers complain about oil and chips on roads

By LIAM BELAN
lbelan@yourmvi.com
Motorists traveling on Route 48 in Elizabeth and Forward Townships recently have had some complaints over the seal coating that PennDOT has been doing to solidify the roads ahead of the winter.
Seal coating, also known as tar-and-chipping, or oil-and-chipping, is a method of preservation to stop water from soaking into the base of roads, according to PennDOT.
In preventing water from penetrating roadways, the method aims to stop potholes from forming during times when water is thawing or freezing, which results in expansion or contraction of roadways.
Route 48 is under PennDOT jurisdiction rather than either township, so local officials don’t have a say in those decisions.
However, many local residents have had quite a lot to say about the condition of the roads on social media.
There have been numerous Facebook posts made in the “All Around Elizabeth Forward Area” group from residents showing damages to their windshields as a result of the chips.
Pictures can be seen displaying tiny cracks or larger fractures in the windshield.
PennDOT District 11, which serves Allegheny County, shared the following email via district Press Officer Steve Cowan when asked why they use the method and how drivers can be safe:
“Seal coating (tar and chipping) is a treatment the department uses extensively to help preserve roadways. Compared to paving it is a relatively inexpensive option. The process helps prevent water from penetrating the roadway. … The expansion and contraction of the roadway due to water during the freeze/thaw cycle creates potholes and can do significant damage to our roadways.

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