The Princeton Council has awarded a contract for $183,418 to Asphalt Paving Systems to perform pavement preservation services on selected streets.
The goal is to add several years of life to a roadway at significantly less cost than a traditional mill-and-overlay project. A mill-and-overlay project removes the top layer of asphalt from the surface and applies a new layer.
The streets earmarked for the pavement preservation project are Andrews Lane, a short section of Bayard Lane, Bogart Court, Duffield Place, Foulet Drive, Madison Street, Montadale Circle and Moran Avenue.
Work is expected to begin in late August or early September, officials said.
The pavement preservation technique used by Asphalt Paving Systems applies a microsurfacing emulsion to the asphalt at a cost of 50 to 65% less than a mill-and-overlay project, Assistant Municipal Engineer Jim Purcell wrote in a memorandum to the Princeton Council.
The product is a cold-applied mixture of polymer-modified asphalt emulsion, fine-graded aggregate, mineral filler and water. It cures in less than one hour to seal cracks, improve skid resistance and prevent moisture from getting into the asphalt.
Mircosurfacing has a reduced environmental impact because the existing pavement stays in place, and the use of hot mix asphalt is avoided, Purcell said. It is less intrusive than a mill-and-overlay project.
When it is applied, the material has a dark brown surface and is rougher than a newly paved road, he said. There may be visible irregularities in the surface until it cures. After curing, the pavement color returns to black or dark gray.
The town successfully used microsurfacing on Bertrand Drive and Caldwell Drive in 2025.
In preparation for the project, Department of Public Works crews will prune low-hanging tree branches to protect the trees from construction equipment, officials said. Crews also will make repairs to storm drains.
The contractor will repair potholes and seal cracks and joints in the pavement ahead of applying the microsurfacing emulsion. Residents will not be able to drive on the road while it is being applied.
Also, pets should not be allowed to walk on the fresh surface during the workday. Drivers should avoid turning the wheel of their vehicle while the vehicle is standing still for the first hours after the emulsion is applied to avoid marring the surface.
Paper notices will be attached to residents’ doors 24 to 48 hours before work begins on their street.
