Slurry Seal

Slurry Seal is a petroleum-based emulsion product, mixed with fine aggregate rock and fillers. It is blended on-site in a large truck, and then applied evenly across the entire surface of an asphalt street. A slurry seal is typically 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch thick. By reusing old tires and tennis balls as the filler and using special emulsion, new technology allows us to apply a slurry solution in the morning and then drive on it in the evening.

Project Information:  The Monterey Park City Council has allocated funding for the street rehabilitation of various residential streets. This project will provide a protective coating for the streets and is designed to seal and extend the life of the pavement. 

What is the purpose of this project? The City recently adopted a Pavement Management Program that evaluated the existing pavement system and identified deficiencies and recommendations. The streets included in this project have been recommended to receive a slurry seal, which will protect the asphalt and subgrade from water damage and help to extend the life of the existing pavement.  Slurry seals are typically used for streets in fair condition and when expensive reconstruction and asphalt overlay methods are not warranted. Prior to slurry sealing, various cracks will be sealed and areas of failed asphalt will be repaired. 

What is the scope of the project? This project includes sealing various cracks, repairing areas of failed asphalt, slurry sealing of the pavement, and restriping.  

How will I be affected? On the day of the slurry seal, residential streets may be closed entirely to all vehicles. Some streets will be slurry sealed in stages to allow for through access at all times. We request that you refrain from parking on the streets the day of the slurry seal and do NOT drive on the slurry seal until it cures (about 4 hours after it is applied). Parked cars in violation of posted notices shall be towed away.  In most instances, streets will be reopened by 5:00 p.m. each day. Also, please avoid running your sprinklers the night before or the day of the resurfacing to avoid any water running off your property into the street.

What about parking? “No Parking” signs and notices with the exact date of closure will be posted adjacent to the areas of work at least 72 hours in advance of the work. If unexpected delays occur, the new date will be posted at least 72 hours prior to the rescheduled date.

What can I expect from the slurry seal? When the slurry seal is applied, it is a light brown color due to the chemical reactions and the temperature of the mix. As the mix becomes exposed to heat and sunlight, it will begin to turn black. The rough appearance of a slurry seal is not that of a new street; however, this does not affect the quality of the slurry seal as it is not a structural or aesthetic improvement.

Even after the streets are open, it takes several months for the slurry to completely cure. Because of this, normal driving on recently slurried streets may cause some tire tracks (especially at the ends of cul-de-sacs), or gouges from turning wheels while your car is not moving. While this will affect only the appearance of the streets, and many times is unavoidable, much of this will disappear with time and traffic.

Will there be changes to the schedule? Scheduling a project of this type may require frequent changes. The City and the Contractor will make every effort to minimize impacts to the community and to keep the project on schedule. However, in the event of changes in the schedule of construction activities, the community’s cooperation will be greatly appreciated. Residents will be updated via notification and on the website

What about trash pickup and street sweeping? Work will be coordinated with the City’s trash hauler to allow for normal trash pickup operations. If the date of resurfacing coincides with that of your trash collection, please bring out your trash bins out by 6 am. The contractor will coordinate with the trash hauler to collect the trash prior to street closure for that day. Street sweeping will be suspended during the slurry seal to allow for the street to properly cure. 

PROJECT DURATION Work for Phase II of the project is scheduled to begin in March 2023 and will take approximately 2 months to complete. Hours of construction will be from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for residential areas, Monday through Friday.

CONTACT INFORMATION To ensure open lines of communication with businesses and residents, the City has designated a project manager to handle all aspects of the project. To ensure quick response to your comments and concerns please call:

Monterey Park Project Manager, Vivian Chen (626) 307‐1320.